Joseph F. “Skip” Armato died February 4, 2021 at his home. He was the son of Frank J. and Lucy M. Paolino Armato. He was born April 25, 1928 and was 92 years old. He was predeceased by his sister Nina L. Armato.
He was a graduate of St. Joseph School, Roger Ludlow Junior High School and Norwalk High School. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Drama from Ithaca College. Using the name Tom Ayre he performed on the Broadway stage, television, in motion pictures and night clubs. He made his Broadway debut in the musical “Wish You Were Here” and was seen in theatres throughout the country in numerous productions and tours including “Kiss Me Kate”, “Plain and Fancy”, “Annie Get Your Gun”, “Bells are Ringing”, West Side Story”, “On The Town”, “Dark of the Moon”, and “Stalag 17”. He starred in the national company of “The Fantastics” during a two and one half year tour in Chicago, Omaha and San Francisco. He toured nationally in support of Kaye Ballard in various night clubs throughout the country.
In later years he worked as Assistant Director of Community Relations at Norwalk Hospital and as Assistant Executive Director of the Fairfield County Medical Association for eighteen years until his retirement. A devoted animal lover he was also a volunteer at Norwalk Hospital. He is survived by his longtime friend and companion Claudette Ikeda and several cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 9, 10 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 203 East Ave., Norwalk with burial to follow at St. John Cemetery. Due the pandemic seating is limited with masks and social distancing required. There are no visiting hours. Donations in Skip’s memory may be made to the ASPCA (https://secure.aspca.org/) or a favorite dog rescue organization.