Joseph M. Skinner, Sr.

U.S. Marine Corps
Vietnam
1967-1969

Born November 12, 1948, Joseph had a wonderful childhood growing up in West Brighton. He played sports all his life, all types of “ball,” including Varsity Baseball and Basketball while attending Port Richmond High School. He had a Staten Island Advance paper route.

He was the youngest of four brothers, all of whom served in the military at the same time, but Joseph was the only one in combat. At age 19, Sergeant Skinner was in charge of a platoon of 57 men, who saw combat every single day. He was awarded the Vietnam/Naval Achievement Medal with Combat “V”.
Joseph’s best friend, John T. Brown lost his life on February 1, 1968, the day the “TET OFFENSIVE” began. (Joseph and John’s banners hang side by side this year on Port Richmond Avenue.)

Joseph studied Accounting at Baruch College and College of Staten Island. He was a counselor for Young Adult Borough Centers helping students attend part-time in the afternoon or evening to earn their high school diploma. He is currently a mentor for Staten Island Drug Treatment Court.

Joseph is Captain of the Color Guard for Vietnam Veterans Chapter 421 and a Vice Commander of the American Legion. For 15 years, he volunteered at the Xavier Church Sunday soup kitchen. He has one son, Joseph Jr.

Sponsored by Assembly Member Michael Reilly