Family & Staff

"Bill Sr." was born and raised in Norwalk, CT. He graduated Central Catholic High School Class of 1968 and went on to attend University of Connecticut and then American Academy McAllaster Institute of Funeral Service, from which he graduated in 1972. His father William J. Skidd died in 1970 at a young age and left him and his mother Jeannette Skidd Meister to run the family funeral home when he was only 20. Bill grew up an only child but went on to marry his childhood sweetheart Margo Schmitt and have twelve children with her.

Bill Sr. was described in a biography piece in The Hour Newspaper as having a "quiet, caring demeanor that can only come from years of dealing with the unfortunate" and as "a walking history book". He helps us to maintain our roots as an institution devoted to caring for families.

"Bill Jr." was born and raised in Norwalk, CT. As a child his family lived in the Rowayton area before moving to West Norwalk. He graduated Brien McMahon High School Class of 1991 and went on to receive a BA in History from St. Anselm College in New Hampshire. He worked for several years in the corporate sector for companies such as Gartner Group, Meta Group, and UST. He also consulted for companies including GE Capital, IBM and Natural Microsystems.

Bill Jr. came into the family business in 2002 and attended American Academy McAllaster Institute of Funeral Service where he served as class president, received the MuSigma Alpha Award and the Dr. John McAllister Memorial award for outstanding scholarship and graduated summa cum laude. He also maintains a certificate as a preplanning consultant. Bill Jr. currently lives in Norwalk with his wife Kate and three daughters. Bill Jr. makes many of our funeral arrangements. He is our technical guy and problem solver.

Andrew Skidd was born and raised in Norwalk, CT. He graduated Trivium School in Massachusetts, and went on to receive his BA in Philosophy from Thomas More College in New Hampshire & Rome, Italy. He then almost immediately enrolled in the American Academy McAllaster Institute of Funeral Service with plans to join the family business.

Andrew was engaged to his wife Sarah while still in school and was married shortly after graduating. Andrew graduated summa cum laude and is now both a licensed funeral director and the proud father of a new daughter.

Andrew brings new energy and an attention to detail to our funeral home.

Bill Lahey is a lifelong Norwalk resident graduating in 1977 from Norwalk High School. He attended American Academy McAllaster Institute of Funeral Service from which he graduated in 1991, earning his Associate Degree in Occupational Studies. He also was awarded the MuSigma Alpha Award and graduated magna cum laude. Bill Lahey has been with Collins Funeral Home since 1990 and lives in Norwalk with his wife Cynde.

Bill Lahey is our taskmaster who makes sure every element of the service is performed properly.