On Sunday, May 5, William Ross “Skip” Earle passed away at the age of 76.

Born to Major Ulysses W. Earle and Essie Isadora Coleman Earle, he spent his formative years in Mt Vernon, New York. Skip attended Springfield College where he played and coached varsity football, and he was an active member of the Afro-American Society. He graduated with a BS in physical education and a MA in guidance and counseling. For most of his adult life, Skip lived in Danbury, where he participated actively in the community.

“Coach Earle” was a lifelong educator. He taught physical education in grades pre-K through high school for the Bedford Central Schools in New York. He taught driver’s education and line dance. He coached football and track before becoming a well-respected track official. “Coach” won numerous teaching, officiating, and dance awards during his long and distinguished career. He was the 1997 NYS Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year and the 2002 Dance Teacher of the Year. Skip became an internationally rated pole vault official and officiated prestigious meets including the US Olympic Trials, the Penn Relays, the New Balance Nationals, the Millrose Games, and the NYC Marathon.

Skip loved people, music, animals, and the beach. His infectious smile and boundless energy were contagious. Skip loved to make people laugh and created deep and meaningful relationships. Skip was devoted to his family. He was their unwavering cheerleader, supporting them wholeheartedly in all their endeavors.

Skip is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sherry Strohm Earle, PhD, and his children: Alyssa Earle Goodwin, MD and her husband, Christopher Goodwin of Maine; Roshan Daryanani Mahtani, MD and her husband, Vishal Mahtani of Florida; Christopher Earle and his wife, Erin West Earle, EdD of Rhode Island; and David Earle and his wife, Cassandra Lukeris Earle of Rhode Island. He is also survived by his sister, Ora “Cookie” McCaine and her husband, Rene McCaine of New York.

“Papa Skip” will be remembered by his eight cherished grandchildren: Hazel and Felix Goodwin; Aryan, Avinash, and Ishaan Mahtani; William and Caroline Earle; and Eva Earle. He was also the proud “Uncle Skippy” to seven nieces and nephews and their families: Robin, Renee Crystal and Rosalyn McCaine; Stephanie Lando and Alison Strohm; and Hannah and Emma Mason.

A celebration of life will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hope Health, Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, R.I. or to “Mt Vernon City Schools Boys and Girls Track.” You can support a cause near to Skip’s heart by sending a check made out to the track team directly to the family or by donating through Givebutter at givebutter.com/IpRmVZ.