2026 -- H 8261

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LC006016

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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

     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.

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LC006016

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