Deepest Condolences on the Passing of the Honorable John Michael Skeffington, Jr.

WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of the Honorable John Michael Skeffington, Jr., of Newport. Mr. Skeffington, better known to his family and many friends as “Jack” was born in Providence, to the late John and Evelyn Skeffington. Mr. Skeffington was raised in a strong Irish Catholic household in the Smith Hill neighborhood of Providence. He attended St. Augustine School and LaSalle Academy. In 1961, he graduated from the New England Institute of Anatomy and followed in his father’s footsteps and became a Funeral Director; and

WHEREAS, For more than 65 years, Mr. Skeffington served as the consummate Funeral Director and third-generation owner of Skeffington Funeral Home in Providence. He was always impeccably dressed and always treated the grieving family members during those difficult times with dignity, grace and empathy; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Skeffington, who lived most of his life in Providence, was also a distinguished public servant who served with distinction as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, District 9, for five terms, beginning with victory in a special election on August 14, 1979. Mr. Skeffington also served as a former President of various community and charitable organizations including the Rhode Island Elks, the Irish Kings, and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. He also served as a former Chairman of the Rhode Island Highway Corporation and served as a board member of RIPTA, Roger Williams Hospital and the John E. Fogarty Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Skeffington was a man who enjoyed being around people, whether it was attending sporting events or concerts, gathering with loved ones and friends at a favorite restaurant, backyard cookouts, or celebrating birthdays and holidays. Mr. Skeffington was a devoted family man, and a man of great faith. He was a regular communicant of St. Pius V Catholic Church in Providence; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Skeffington is survived by his longtime companion, Joyce Motte, and his sons, John M. Skeffington, III, and his wife, Kellie, Robert Skeffington and his wife, Lesley, and Peter Skeffington. He also leaves behind his sister, Jane Skeffington, his granddaughters, Kiley Skeffington, Blair Skeffington, and Avery Skeffington. He also leaves behind his nephew James Skeffington, Jr., and his niece Erinn Murray. Mr. Skeffington was predeceased by his brother, James Skeffington, Sr.; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses its deepest condolences to the Skeffington Family on the passing of the Honorable John Michael Skeffington, Jr., and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Joyce Motte, John M. Skeffington, III, Robert Skeffington, Peter Skeffington and Family.