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Many local schools, businesses and neighborhood groups have joined police in planning a long list of memorial activities to honor Skerski around the anniversary of his death. Some have already occurred, while many are still to come.
In many ways, the shooting is viewed not only as a family tragedy for Skerski’s widow Anne and their two children, Robert, 14, and Nicole, 11, but as a community tragedy that those affected by it seem determined to overcome together.
"It’s crazy. It was a year ago that he saved fourteen lives," said Mike Young, who was among the robbery victims at Pat’s that night.
Skerski’s police portrait now hangs in honor above the bar, just below an American flag and a special message: It’s not how Officer Gary Skerski died that made him a hero. It’s how he lived.
On Tuesday’s first anniversary of Skerski’s slaying, Pat’s patrons and employees held a 7 p.m. candlelight vigil at the scene. Then, just after 10, the 15th district hosted another ceremony there to mark the exact time and date of the shooting.
In the days leading up to the anniversary, Young was hoping that things would remain relatively low-key. The close-knit neighborhood has seen more than its share of the spotlight in the past year.
"Hopefully, it will be subtle, it won’t be a big thing like last year," Young said. "A lot of people don’t like to talk about it. Others are more receptive."
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This was no group of strangers that came face to face with their own mortality that night. Most have known one another for years. Some even knew Skerski, and knew him well.
"I’ve known Gary all my life," said Timothy Ritchie, who graduated with Skerski from Northeast Catholic in 1978 and played football with him.
"He’s a very good friend of mine. If I was here that night, Gary would still be alive," Ritchie said while trying to hold back a tidal wave of emotion.
Ritchie and his girlfriend, Theresa White, haven’t been around Pat’s much due to other demands in their lives, White explained. But their absence hasn’t diminished the understanding that exists among them and their friends there.
Besides dealing with the anniversary of Skerski’s death, Ritchie has a brother, Robert, who has been ill.
"Even though (Timothy) hasn’t been here, they know," White said. "He didn’t have to tell them. They just gave him a pat on the back and said, ‘I know you’re going through a hard time.’"
Similarly, the robbery victims and their friends who happened not to be at the tavern that night a year ago returned to Pat’s as soon as possible. The shooting did not drive a wedge between them, but rather brought them closer together. They sought comfort in togetherness.
"We’ve all known each other at least four or five years, some fourteen or fifteen years," Young said. "When something like this happens, of course you (become closer)."
Theresa White is impressed with how the regulars coped with the aftermath.
"I think they handled it very well," she said. "It was traumatic for a while. The people who were here, it had a very big impact on, but they didn’t stop coming back."
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Life has changed nonetheless. A typically laid-back atmosphere remains, but now there’s an undercurrent of uncertainty. Before, Pat’s seemed like the last place for a crime like that. Now, employees and regulars feel compelled to keep watch on activity outside the bar, and to eye up any stranger who walks in.
"We look out for each other. We’re more cognizant of who comes in the bar," Young said. "We’re more diligent."
"The police stop here more often," added Rich Kratofilow, whose girlfriend Shelly Lafty tends bar. "They look in and make sure everything’s good and they go on their way."
According to police Capt. Frank Bachmayer, who was appointed to command the 15th district three months after the shooting, Skerski’s death has manifested itself in increased diligence among officers, as well.
"There are no policy changes, but once a situation like that happens, the officers are more aware of their surroundings," Bachmayer said.
One of the captain’s chief emphases is for officers to wait for backup any time they come upon a crime in progress where a gun may be involved.
In the last year, the district has adopted new refresher-training procedures. Each officer must attend an hour-long session at district headquarters every 13 days to review directives involving things like use of force and pursuits.
The nucleus of the district remains the same, as just nine new cops have arrived since the shooting.
"Obviously, it’s a difficult time (here)," Bachmayer said.
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Members of Skerski’s platoon, the 5-squad, were the ones who organized the late vigil on the sad anniversary. In the coming weeks, they will rededicate the district’s roll-call room in honor of Skerski and Officer Albert A. Valentino, a 15th district officer killed in the line of duty on Oct. 23, 1989.
"Officers are extremely busy here, but we take time to honor Gary, and it’s a sad occasion," Bachmayer said. "They remember him, good times and bad. I hear the funny stories of what Gary would do. Even though he’s not here anymore, his memory is still being carried on."
Members of the district maintain close ties with Anne Skerski, who so far has declined to discuss her husband publicly beyond expressing her gratitude for the many kind actions taken by others in his honor.
"I talk to Anne on the phone. I’ve been in touch almost every day in the last month," Bachmayer said. "Anne is a positive person, and she’s very much appreciative of all the community support. (But) sometimes it’s overwhelming. That’s why I try to step in."
Gretchen LeClaire, the wife of slain Philadelphia Warrant Officer Joseph LeClaire, believes that the only way to endure the difficult times is to seek comfort from others. LeClaire’s husband was shot to death March 19, 2004 while trying to arrest a wanted rape suspect.
"I have gained strength knowing everyone is there," LeClaire said last week during the annual Living Flame Memorial ceremony honoring all Philadelphia police and fire line-of-duty deaths.
"It gets hard, but it also gets a little bit easier. As the time passes, I get stronger each year," she said. "I just remember the good things. But the hurt is always there." ••
Reporter William Kenny can be reached at 215-354-3031 or bkenny@phillynews.com