HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE JOHN MICHAEL SKEFFINGTON, JR.

H8261

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE
JOHN MICHAEL SKEFFINGTON, JR.

Introduced By:
Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Slater, Chippendale, Diaz,
Corvese, Kislak, O'Brien, Casey, and Fogarty

Date Introduced:
March 10, 2026

Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of the
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Honorable John Michael Skeffington, Jr., of Newport. Mr. Skeffington, better known to his
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family and many friends as “Jack” was born in Providence, to the late John and Evelyn
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Skeffington. Mr. Skeffington was raised in a strong Irish Catholic household in the Smith Hill
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neighborhood of Providence. He attended St. Augustine School and LaSalle Academy. In 1961,
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he graduated from the New England Institute of Anatomy and followed in his father’s footsteps
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and became a Funeral Director; and
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WHEREAS, For more than 65 years, Mr. Skeffington served as the consummate Funeral
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Director and third-generation owner of Skeffington Funeral Home in Providence. He was always
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impeccably dressed and always treated the grieving family members during those difficult times
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with dignity, grace and empathy; and
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WHEREAS, Mr. Skeffington, who lived most of his life in Providence, was also a
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distinguished public servant who served with distinction as a member of the Rhode Island House
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of Representatives, District 9, for five terms, beginning with victory in a special election on
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August 14, 1979. Mr. Skeffington also served as a former President of various community and
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charitable organizations including the Rhode Island Elks, the Irish Kings, and the Friendly Sons
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of St. Patrick. He also served as a former Chairman of the Rhode Island Highway Corporation
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and served as a board member of RIPTA, Roger Williams Hospital and the John E. Fogarty
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Foundation; and

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WHEREAS, Mr. Skeffington was a man who enjoyed being around people, whether it
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was attending sporting events or concerts, gathering with loved ones and friends at a favorite
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restaurant, backyard cookouts, or celebrating birthdays and holidays. Mr. Skeffington was a
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devoted family man, and a man of great faith. He was a regular communicant of St. Pius V
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Catholic Church in Providence; and
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WHEREAS, Mr. Skeffington is survived by his longtime companion, Joyce Motte, and
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his sons, John M. Skeffington, III, and his wife, Kellie, Robert Skeffington and his wife, Lesley,
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and Peter Skeffington. He also leaves behind his sister, Jane Skeffington, his granddaughters,
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Kiley Skeffington, Blair Skeffington, and Avery Skeffington. He also leaves behind his nephew
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James Skeffington, Jr., and his niece Erinn Murray. Mr. Skeffington was predeceased by his
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brother, James Skeffington, Sr.; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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expresses its deepest condolences to the Skeffington Family on the passing of the Honorable John
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Michael Skeffington, Jr., and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Joyce Motte, John M. Skeffington, III, Robert
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Skeffington, Peter Skeffington and Family.
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