Robert N. Skvarna Jr.

Robert Ned Skvarna Jr., age 78, of Aurora, Colorado, passed away peacefully Friday, March 6, 2026.

He was born May 5, 1947, in San Pedro, California, to the late Robert Skvarna and Carmen Baroni. He grew up in North Long Beach with his favorite and only brother, Rich. Bob graduated from Lawndale High School in 1965, joined the Navy at age 18 with his best friend during the Vietnam era, and later received a BA in Electronics from BYU.

Bob was married to Janet Goettert for 29 years. He later married Rene Amadio, and they shared more than 27 years together. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Denver Colorado Temple on July 29, 2023.

Bob had a variety of careers, but above all he loved teaching. While serving in the Navy, he was the only gunner on Mine Sweeper #149, repaired radio packs, and taught cryptography. At home, he taught his family practical skills such as changing tires, replacing brakes, and even rebuilding an engine.

Bob also taught Sunday School in his early years and later taught Cisco software at Pickens Technical College in Aurora, Colorado. He helped young men learn to build computers at the Ridge View Youth Services Center. Before leaving that position, the boys presented him with a collection of his many hilarious, unexpected, and clever sayings.

His work life also included driving a truck for Swift and later retiring from AutoZone at age 75.

Bob, a former Catholic, joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after reading the Book of Mormon on May, 7, 1966. He was ordained a High Priest on May 8, 1988. Among his many callings were Elders Quorum President, ward clerk, and Sunday School Secretary. He also enjoyed square dancing with the Grand Squares and sang for a time in the Colorado Mormon Chorale.

Childhood memories included catching tadpoles in the Los Angeles River with his brother Richard, who was only nine months older than he was. Bob was born three months premature in 1947. The boys played grass tag and eagerly waited for the Good Humor truck to come by for ice cream. Bob would even run behind the ice trucks to catch the shavings of ice that fell from them.

Robert is survived by his wife Rene Amadio-Skvarna; his brother Richard with (Laura Lynn); his half – sister, Deonna Skvarna and her daughter Samantha; many extended family members; in addition to three children and four step-children:

Renee (Scott) Loveless, with Brooke, Jesse, and Porter;

Amy Nielsen, with Natalie and Nicole;

Ellen (Tony) Whiteley, with Abby, Will/Harper, Emily, Charlie, and Peter;

Karen Dambroski and her daughter, Sophie Sturniolo;

Alissa (Tyler) Stout, with Jessie, Will, Cora, and TJ;

Richard Dambroski with his daughter Elizabeth;

Robyn (Craig) Griffiths.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 950 Laredo Street, Aurora, Colorado 80011.

Viewing for family will begin at 9: a.m., with public viewing at 10:00 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel.

A family luncheon will follow in the cultural hall. Members of the public are welcome to join the luncheon; please bring a dish if you wish to attend. Kindly RSVP by text or call to Rene Skvarna at 720-220-4451 no later than Friday, March 20.