Anthony John Skelley, son of Leah Burlingame and the late John Skelley, was a beautiful soul and charming spirit born into this world on May 3, 2005 in New Richmond, Wisconsin. Through an incomprehensible tragedy, he lost his life on May 8, 2022 in South Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Anthony was seventeen and a junior at Gateway to College, a St. Paul Public Schools’ program at St. Paul College that allows high school students to also earn college credits. He had an incredible passion for life and spent his time connecting with family and friends. His friends describe him as loyal, genuine, special, determined, confident, brilliant, and loving. Anthony was an ambitious young man and had big plans for his life. He loved to work on cars, mow lawns and landscape during the summer, and could fix or install just about anything. His dream was to start his own business and he began to focus his efforts in areas he was skilled – landscaping and car repair and sales.
Anthony always knew when someone needed a hug. He had compassion for those who were hurting. This is because he had suffered pain from a young age when he tragically lost his father. The thing that stands out the most is how deeply he cared for his Mom, Leah. From the age of six, Anthony took on the role as man of the house. He looked after his older sister, Andraya, and his Mom with attentiveness, kindness, and the maturity of a grown man. He took on this role proudly.
Anthony is survived by his mother Leah Burlingame; sister Andraya Skelley; grandmother Shelley Burlingame; grandfathers James Burlingame and Joseph Skelley Jr.; aunts and uncles Kylee Krautkremer (Justin), Aaron Burlingame (Amy), Gerald “Kip” Overbo Jr (Francine), Patricia Overbo (Tony), Michael Overbo, DeAva Overbo (Phil), Thomas Skelley (Gina), and Daniel Skelley; many cousins; godmother Mindy Mueller; and a host of devoted friends and extended family that loved him deeply.
Anthony was predeceased by his father, John Skelley, and his grandmother, Laurie Skelley.
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, May 18 at 1 PM at Roberts Funeral & Cremation Chapel, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights. Pastor Terry Francis from MN Adult & Teen Challenge will officiate. Visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Burial Service from 2:30 PM to 4 PM at Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights, with a Memorial Service at DeGidio’s in St. Paul starting at 5 PM.
Flowers, donations, and condolences may be offered at Roberts Funeral and Cremation Chapel or online through the GoFundMe fundraiser created to help support Anthony’s mother, Leah Burlingame.