Floyd "Skip" Slater

Floyd “Skip” E. Slater entered into eternal rest on September 13, 2026, with his two boys by his side. His family was the greatest joy of his life, and he made sure they knew it, saying “I love you” as often as he could, right until the very end.

Born September 1, 1936, in the Town of Wright to Alfred and Anna Slater, Skip enjoyed a wonderful childhood, attending and graduating from Schoharie Schools as a standout multi-sport athlete. He often spoke fondly of his classmates and friends and remembered those years with a smile.

When Marie L. Hulett arrived at Schoharie High School, their lives changed forever and an incredible love story began. They married on July 19, 1958, and for more than 60 years shared one of the purest, truest, and most beautiful examples of love. Anyone who knew “Skip and Marie” could not help but admire the love and devotion they shared.

Skip and Marie built a beautiful life together, with family always coming first. They welcomed two boys, Floyd “Butch” and Gary, and there was nothing Skip would not do for his girl and his boys. Skip spent most of his career with the New York State Department of Transportation as a Drill Rig Operator, which often took him “up north.” Even after a long day working in Schroon Lake, he would make the drive home so his boys could look into the stands and see their dad there and kiss him goodnight.

Skip’s love of sports continued through his boys. He coached their Little League teams, proudly leading them to become New York State Champions in 1971 and 1975. Whether he was coaching from the field or cheering from the stands, some of his happiest moments were spent watching his boys do what they loved. Years later, that joy continued as he watched his granddaughter Ashlyn play basketball, following in the footsteps of her Pop and her dad, Gary. Many of Skip’s former players and his boys’ teammates still remember “Mr. Slater” with great fondness and respect.

Skip and Marie were not only lovers, but the best of friends. They enjoyed cruising together, yearly trips to Florida, Yankee games both from their living room and at the Stadium, NASCAR races, and simple car rides. More than anything, they enjoyed being together and spending time with each other and their family. Taking others out to dinner was one of the ways they showed their love, a tradition Skip continued after Marie’s passing.

Perhaps Skip’s greatest expression of unconditional love was the way he cared for Marie throughout her battle with Alzheimer’s. He truly lived out the promise of “in sickness and in health,” caring for her faithfully and beautifully until the very end. His frequent “Hello, beautiful!” was a perfect reflection of the deep adoration he had for her.

To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was Pop, and he was second to none. He didn’t miss a game, a concert, a play, a confirmation, or any other moment that mattered, big or small. Whether it was a place to live, a breakfast out, a vacation, an inspection of your car, a ride, help fixing something, a meal, or simply someone in the stands, Pop was there. He made sure you knew he would always be there for you and just how proud he was of you. He was also beloved “Uncle Skip” to so many, and everyone who called him that knew just how special they were to him.

Skip was one of a kind. He was generous, reliable, dependable, and kind. He would do anything for anyone. If you needed help, he showed up. He spent his life showing others just how much he loved and cared for them and his generosity extended far beyond his family to friends, neighbors, the waitresses at his favorite restaurants, the nurses who cared for him and people he’d just met. Skip was deeply loved by so many, and he will be deeply missed. Heaven is sweeter with Skip and Marie together for eternity.

Skip was predeceased by his bride of 60 years, Marie L. Slater; his parents, Alfred and Anna Slater; and his siblings, Wanda Slater, Donald “Jig” Slater, Carl Slater, and Stella (Fritz) Osterman. He leaves behind his beloved sister-in-law, Cathye Slater, wife of his late brother Carl.

Those left to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy include his sons, Floyd “Butch” (Debora Clute) Slater and Gary (Mary Zeno) Slater; his grandchildren, Floyd “Micky” (Nicole DiGirolamo) Slater, Ashlyn (Brian) Ledbetter, and Ryan (Lauren) Gallagher; and his great-grandchildren, Alarick J. Slater, Evie Marie Slater, and Faith E. Ledbetter. Skip also leaves behind countless cherished family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Bond Funeral Home, with a Celebration of Life immediately following at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Northeastern New York Chapter (1003 New Loudon Road, Suite 201, Cohoes, NY 12047) in honor of Marie.

The family extends heartfelt thanks for the love, prayers, and support shown during this difficult time.