Roger V. Skalko

LAKE ALFRED - Roger V. Skalko, 66, of Lake Alfred died Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at his home. He was born January 10, 1949, in Elmira, New York, to Stephen and Margaret " jean skalko. his grandmother gwendolyn evans was also an important mother figure to him.>

Mr. Skalko served in the United States Army in Vietnam as a Sergeant and received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Valor, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Army Commendation Medal. He had a long career in water skiing, competing, driving and judging professional water ski competitions, including spending the last eight years as the water ski coach for Florida Southern College. His time with Florida Southern College brought great success to the water ski program on a national level. Roger was known for his great love of all animals, and especially for dogs. His love of dogs led to his breeding and showing of the Akita breed.

He was predeceased by his parents and grandmother, Gwendolyn Evans. Roger is survived by his daughter Jill Levengood; grandchildren Brooke and Jenna Levengood; 1st cousin Jacqueline Cochrane Tangorre and her husband Tom; and a number of other cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future time. Please hold all memorials, gifts and flowers until services are announced. Arrangements are by Oak Ridge Funeral Care Haines City.