Mr Skelton died suddenly but peacefully at Causeway Hospital yesterdaywith his family at his bedside.
He was the husband of Wilma and father to Thomas Jr, Andrew, Emma and Alice and the brother of June, the late Robert and Heather.
Mr Skelton’s funeral service will take place at 3pm on Sunday in First Kilraughts Presbyterian Church with burial afterwards in the adjoining graveyard.
Donations in lieu of flowers, if desired, to Chest, Heart & Stroke c/o DJM Robinson & Son, 121 Culcrum Road, Cloughmills, BT44 9DT.
The Dalriada School said on Friday that it was with "profound regret and sadness" they announced the death of their esteemed headmaster and friend.
Brian Dillon, Chairman of the Board of Governors, said: “Throughout his 16 years as Head of Dalriada School, Tom Skelton worked closely with Governors, Staff and Parents to provide an excellent education for all pupils.
"Tom, with his energetic enthusiasm, approachable attitude and sense of humour provided outstanding Leadership creating a great staff team. He adopted a “hands on approach” putting the pupils first and with a love of education continued weekly teaching throughout his Headship," he said.
"He will be very sadly missed by the Dalriada community and by the many organisations he was involved with outside school.”
Dr Ian Walker and Ms Louise Crawford, deputy Heads of the school said Mr Skelton “he lived and breathed Dalriada".
"He had a pride in the school, always putting the staff and pupils at the centre of everything he did. He was head of our school family, and his humour and unwavering encouragement will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.”
The school community expressed their sincere sympathies to Mr Skelton's family.
North Antrim MP Ian Paisley expressed his "shock and sadness” to learn of the death.
“Like most people who heard the news this morning I was absolutely shocked. Tom had engaged me on many occasions to help with the school and to hear of his death is shocking and very sad. At a personal level I express my condolences to his family and close friends. However, his school community will be in a state of shock and mourning also. To them I want to assure them of our thoughts and prayers at this time.
“Tom had become an institution in the town and in the education environment since he became principal in 2007. The school excelled under his leadership and his presence will be missed,” he said.
Local UUP councillor Darryl Wilson said he learned the news with "deep sadness and a heavy heart" and expressed his condolences to the Skelton family and the school community.
"Principal Skelton was not only a dedicated educational leader but also a pillar of strength for the school and its students. Tom was also a great advocate and enthusiast for local Rugby, playing a huge role in advancing the game within Dalriada school, and also at Ballymoney Rugby Club.
"We can only reflect on the profound impact Principal Skelton had on shaping the learning environment at Dalriada Grammar School," he said. "The passing of Tom is a tremendous loss for our entire community. His unwavering commitment to education and his compassionate leadership will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him."
TUV leader Jim Allister said he was "saddened and shocked" to hear the news of the "wonderful" headmaster's death.
"Tom Skelton led his school with vigour and vision. He fought tenaciously in the interest of every child, as I witnessed at first hand in appearing alongside him on a number of occasions at the Special Circumstances Panel of the Department of Education, as we strove to secure admission for deserving cases.
"He has left an indelible mark in Ballymoney and will be greatly missed and mourned by this and past generations of pupils and parents," he said. "I extend deepest sympathy to his wife and children."
Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan also expressed his condolences.
The North Antrim MLA said: “As principal of Dalriada in Ballymoney, Tom was well known and respected beyond Ballymoney town.
“I want to extend my condolences firstly to his family and friends, but also to his staff and pupils at Dalriada. Tom will be missed by so many.
“I found him to be someone of great integrity, fairness and decency.
“He has left a great legacy, not just in terms of the excellent school that is Dalriada, but in the lives of current and past pupils.”
Tom Skelton Dalriada School: Tributes after death of principal and 'dedicated leader' | BelfastTelegraph.co.uk - Belfast Telegraph
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