Todd Robert Skocelas 47, of Manistee, MI, passed peacefully Dec. 5th, 2023 surrounded by his loving family at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, MI after a sudden decline in health.

He was born on May 13, 1976 to Deborah Skocelas and Allen Skocelas. Todd graduated from Manistee High School with the class of 1994. While in school, he excelled competitively as a member of the M.H.S. cross country and track teams and also enjoyed playing basketball. After high school he served our country as a member of the US Navy, from 1995 to 1997, stationed in Sicily, Italy until his honorable discharge.  Following his Naval service, Todd worked many different jobs, but found his real passion was painting. He was an avid pool player and participated in local pool leagues.  He enjoyed playing keno and gambling at the casino. Todd had a passion for music.  He also loved watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy with his mom. He participated in his church youth group where he had the opportunity to journey to Denver, CO to participate in World Youth Day under the auspice of Pope John Paul II and unite with youths joined from all over the world. In his youth he was also an alter server at St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Todd will be remembered for his outstanding sense of humor and using his talents to help others. Even at the end, he found a way to smile and laugh, when the nurses were changing his gown, he asked how much he should charge them to see his naked body.  He valued the healing power of laughter and enlivened the lives of others with his gift of humor.  One of Todd's greatest joys above all was the love he had for his boys.  If there was one thing Todd was serious about with all joking aside, it was Quentin, Shawn and Dylan.  Todd loved spending time together and was very proud of his boys. His legacy of laughter, humor and love will continue to shine on through the lives of his children as the darkness of their loss, in time, will be brightened by the spirit echoes of his laughter and love.

Todd is survived by his mother, Deborah Skocelas (Glen) of Kalkaska, MI, his father, Allen Skocelas of Manistee, MI, two sisters, Jennifer Skocelas (Patrick) of Grand Rapids, MI, and Lindsey Skocelas (Pete) of Belleville, MI, three sons, Quentin Skocelas (Ivette) of Ann Arbor, MI, Shawn and Dylan Skocelas of Houghton Lake, MI, two grandsons, Matthew and Jacob Skocelas of Ann Arbor, MI, one nephew, Nicholas Keyes (Rose) of Manistee, MI, and two great nephews, Phoenix and Noah Keyes also of Manistee, MI. He also will be missed by his two cats, Scrappy and Betsy. Todd also had so many wonderful friends, that will miss him also, and you all know who you are.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Cremation has taken place.  It is with mindful considerations of winter weather and holiday schedules for friends, a celebration of Todd's life will be scheduled and announced in the summer of 2024 for a gathering to remember and share memories of Todd, provide support to one another and in his honor, have "a good time," as he would want us all to do.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.