Meet Our Staff
Outstanding Service is Our Priority
The highest level of care starts with the quality staff members who will meet with your family. When you lose someone you love, you need someone who will listen to you and provide a healing and meaningful experience. Our highly qualified staff is ready to assist you throughout this difficult time.
If you are interested in preplanning for your funeral wishes, we invite you to book a meeting with our Preplanning Specialist to learn more about the process and its benefits.
At the heart of Hill-Skeffington Funeral Home is John M. Skeffington, a fourth-generation funeral professional who is deeply committed to guiding families through life’s most difficult moments with compassion, care, and respect.
John’s leadership is grounded in over a century of family tradition. As the owner of Hill-Skeffington Funeral Home and Cremations in East Greenwich, along with Skeffington Funeral Home in Providence, which was established in 1901, he upholds a legacy of service that spans generations. Under his guidance, both homes continue to offer full-service funerals, on-site memorials, and dignified cremations with a strong emphasis on personalization and family support.
While John brings valuable experience in real estate and nonprofit leadership, his true calling lies in the funeral profession. His calm guidance, attention to detail, and deep empathy have earned the trust of countless families throughout Rhode Island.
Hill-Skeffington Funeral Home, with roots dating back over 200 years, remains a place where every life is honored with dignity—and every family is treated as though they were our own. John continues to build upon this foundation, ensuring that each service is not only professional but also deeply personal.
John Michael Skeffington Jr. is the President Emeritus and former principal owner and director of Hill-Skeffington Funeral Home. Now retired and residing in Newport, John remains a respected figure in Rhode Island’s funeral service community and beyond.
A proud Providence native, John is the son and grandson of funeral professionals, continuing a multi-generational tradition of service. He was educated locally at Blessed Sacrament School and La Salle Academy before attending the New England School of Embalming and Funeral Services.
Deeply rooted in his community, John has been a dedicated volunteer at St. Pius Church and served as President of the Sons of Irish Kings. He has held leadership roles on the Board of Trustees of Roger Williams Hospital and the Board of Directors of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA). His commitment to service extended into politics as well—he was a five-time elected State Representative for District 9 in Providence and a member of the House Leadership Council, where he played a key role in sponsoring legislation that continues to benefit Rhode Islanders today.
John is also a past member of the District 5 Democratic Committee and an active supporter of organizations like the John E. Fogarty Foundation. Above all, he is proud to be a father to three sons who all live locally and carry on the values he holds dear.
At the heart of Hill-Skeffington Funeral Home is John M. Skeffington, a fourth-generation funeral professional who is deeply committed to guiding families through life’s most difficult moments with compassion, care, and respect.
John’s leadership is grounded in over a century of family tradition. As the owner of Hill-Skeffington Funeral Home and Cremations in East Greenwich, along with Skeffington Funeral Home in Providence, which was established in 1901, he upholds a legacy of service that spans generations. Under his guidance, both homes continue to offer full-service funerals, on-site memorials, and dignified cremations with a strong emphasis on personalization and family support.
While John brings valuable experience in real estate and nonprofit leadership, his true calling lies in the funeral profession. His calm guidance, attention to detail, and deep empathy have earned the trust of countless families throughout Rhode Island.
Hill-Skeffington Funeral Home, with roots dating back over 200 years, remains a place where every life is honored with dignity—and every family is treated as though they were our own. John continues to build upon this foundation, ensuring that each service is not only professional but also deeply personal.
John Michael Skeffington Jr. is the President Emeritus and former principal owner and director of Hill-Skeffington Funeral Home. Now retired and residing in Newport, John remains a respected figure in Rhode Island’s funeral service community and beyond.
A proud Providence native, John is the son and grandson of funeral professionals, continuing a multi-generational tradition of service. He was educated locally at Blessed Sacrament School and La Salle Academy before attending the New England School of Embalming and Funeral Services.
Deeply rooted in his community, John has been a dedicated volunteer at St. Pius Church and served as President of the Sons of Irish Kings. He has held leadership roles on the Board of Trustees of Roger Williams Hospital and the Board of Directors of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA). His commitment to service extended into politics as well—he was a five-time elected State Representative for District 9 in Providence and a member of the House Leadership Council, where he played a key role in sponsoring legislation that continues to benefit Rhode Islanders today.
John is also a past member of the District 5 Democratic Committee and an active supporter of organizations like the John E. Fogarty Foundation. Above all, he is proud to be a father to three sons who all live locally and carry on the values he holds dear.
East Greenwich
Providence
East Greenwich
David A. Ucci, Jr. has been a with Hill Funeral Home, now Hill-Skeffington Funeral Home, since the age of 13. He attended East Greenwich Public Schools and graduated from East Greenwich High School in 1993. He also participated in the Eagle Scouts.
In 1995, David graduated from the New England Institute at Mt. Ida College in Newton, MA, earning a degree in mortuary science. Three years later, he earned a bachelor's degree from Rhode Island College, and that same year, he received his embalming and funeral directing license.
David is passionate about caring for his community. He has been involved in coaching and volunteering with the East Greenwich Little League and also coached AAU baseball for many years. He was an assistant den leader for Pack 3 East Greenwich (Cub Scouts).
He is a lifelong resident of East Greenwich where he resides with his wife and two children, and he is a member of Our Lady of Mercy Church and the East Greenwich Veterans Fireman’s Association.
Robert M. “Bob” Gubala is a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in training, leadership development, and public service. He currently serves as the Director of Outreach for Skeffington and Hill Funeral Homes, focusing on community engagement, preplanning, grief counseling, and educational seminars. Dr. Gubala has over 25 years of service at another funeral establishment in Cranston, Rhode Island, where he gained extensive experience in funeral service support and community relations.
A life of service has been the hallmark of Robert's vocation. Known for his caring nature and dedication to helping others, he has held prominent leadership roles in the United States Air Force Auxiliary, including vice commander, Government Relations Advisor, and Director of Public Affairs. He is a highly skilled mentor, facilitator, and public speaker with expertise in managing people and teams and fostering collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
He holds a Ph.D. in Theology, a Master of Divinity, and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management. Through his life of service, Dr. Gubala continues to demonstrate a passion for helping people, education, leadership, and community engagement, striving to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those he serves.
A proud graduate of the East Greenwich High School Class of 1971, Mason Rhodes has dedicated his life to serving his community. After 30 years with the East Greenwich Police Department, he retired in 2005, but not before also volunteering with the East Greenwich Fire Department for over three decades, from 1969 to 2000.
Mason has lived in East Greenwich most of his life and raised three wonderful children, Casie, Shaun, and Andrew. Now serving as a funeral attendant, Mason continues to bring compassion and care to families in their time of need, just as he has always done throughout his years of service.
Providence
James Richard Melia is a compassionate soul with an unwavering commitment to his calling. Born and raised in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, James attended Saint Raphael Academy, where he laid the foundation for a life of service.
In 1985, James embarked on his illustrious career at V.J. MacAloon & Sons Funeral Home. From the start, James understood that every life deserves reverence and carried out his duties with utmost care.
Education has been James’s compass. He pursued his passion at the New England Institute of Funeral Services, affiliated with Mount Ida College. There, he honed his skills, learning both the technical aspects and the art of comforting those left behind.
In 2003, tragedy struck Rhode Island when the Station Nightclub fire in West Warwick claimed many lives. During that difficult time, James volunteered at the Rhode Island medical examiner's office, where he played a vital role in examining the deceased. His compassion extended beyond the professional realm: he retrieved DNA samples from the families of those lost in the fire, providing identification and solace during their darkest hours to those who survived.
Capitalizing on his wealth of experience, James continues to perform his delicate work and patiently imparts the art of embalming, cremation, and the nuances of funeral direction to junior professionals in the trade.
James is a beacon of integrity and unwavering dedication. His life’s work reminds us that in the face of great loss, the combination of professional competence, kindness, and empathy can heal even the deepest wounds.
Richard Denise has been an East Greenwich resident for 68 years. He graduated from EGHS in 1974 and then from Roger Williams in 1990.
From 1981-1989, Richard worked full-time with EGPD. Since then, he has worked there part time. From 1989 to 2011, he also worked with EGFD, and he has been EG Town Sergeant since 1991. Then, in 2011, he joined our team at Hill-Skeffington.
Richard has been married to Mary Beth Pieraccini for 41 years, and they have 3 kids, all of whom are EGHS alums.
David A. Ucci, Jr. has been a with Hill Funeral Home, now Hill-Skeffington Funeral Home since the age of 13. He attended East Greenwich Public Schools graduating from East Greenwich High School in 1993 and is an Eagle Scout.
In 1995, David graduated from the New England Institute at Mt. Ida College in Newton, MA, earning a degree in mortuary science. Three years later, he earned a bachelor's degree from Rhode Island College, and that same year, he received his embalming and funeral directing license.
David is passionate about caring for his community. He has been involved in coaching and volunteering with the East Greenwich Little League and also coached AAU baseball for many years. He was an assistant den leader for Pack 3 East Greenwich.
He is a lifelong resident of East Greenwich where he resides with his wife and two children, and he is a member of Our Lady of Mercy Church and the East Greenwich Veterans Fireman’s Association.
James Richard Melia is a compassionate soul with an unwavering commitment to his calling. Born and raised in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, James attended Saint Raphael Academy, where he laid the foundation for a life of service.
In 1985, James embarked on his illustrious career at V.J. MacAloon & Sons Funeral Home. From the start, James understood that every life deserves reverence and carried out his duties with utmost care.
Education has been James’s compass. He pursued his passion at the New England Institute of Funeral Services, affiliated with Mount Ida College. There, he honed his skills, learning both the technical aspects and the art of comforting those left behind.
In 2003, tragedy struck Rhode Island when the Station Nightclub fire in West Warwick claimed many lives. During that difficult time, James volunteered at the Rhode Island medical examiner's office, where he played a vital role in examining the deceased. His compassion extended beyond the professional realm: he retrieved DNA samples from the families of those lost in the fire, providing identification and solace during their darkest hours to those who survived.
Capitalizing on his wealth of experience, James continues to perform his delicate work and patiently imparts the art of embalming, cremation, and the nuances of funeral direction to junior professionals in the trade.
James is a beacon of integrity and unwavering dedication. His life’s work reminds us that in the face of great loss, the combination of professional competence, kindness, and empathy can heal even the deepest wounds.
Robert M. “Bob” Gubala is a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in training, leadership development, and public service. He currently serves as the Director of Outreach for Skeffington and Hill Funeral Homes, focusing on community engagement, preplanning, grief counseling, and educational seminars. Dr. Gubala has over 25 years of service at another funeral establishment in Cranston, Rhode Island, where he gained extensive experience in funeral service support and community relations.
A life of service has been the hallmark of Robert's vocation. Known for his caring nature and dedication to helping others, he has held prominent leadership roles in the United States Air Force Auxiliary, including vice commander, Government Relations Advisor, and Director of Public Affairs. He is a highly skilled mentor, facilitator, and public speaker with expertise in managing people and teams and fostering collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
He holds a Ph.D. in Theology, a Master of Divinity, and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management. Through his life of service, Dr. Gubala continues to demonstrate a passion for helping people, education, leadership, and community engagement, striving to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those he serves.
Richard Denise has been an East Greenwich resident for 68 years. He graduated from EGHS in 1974 and then from Roger Williams in 1990.
From 1981-1989, Richard worked full-time with EGPD. Since then, he has worked there part time. From 1989 to 2011, he also worked with EGFD, and he has been EG Town Sergeant since 1991. Then, in 2011, he joined our team at Hill-Skeffington.
Richard has been married to Mary Beth Pieraccini for 41 years, and they have 3 kids, all of whom are EGHS alums.
A proud graduate of the East Greenwich High School Class of 1971, Mason Rhodes has dedicated his life to serving his community. After 30 years with the East Greenwich Police Department, he retired in 2005, but not before also volunteering with the East Greenwich Fire Department for over three decades, from 1969 to 2000.
Mason has lived in East Greenwich most of his life and raised three wonderful children, Casie, Shaun, and Andrew. Now serving as a funeral attendant, Mason continues to bring compassion and care to families in their time of need, just as he has always done throughout his years of service.
David A. Ucci, Jr. has been a with Hill Funeral Home, now Hill-Skeffington Funeral Home, since the age of 13. He attended East Greenwich Public Schools and graduated from East Greenwich High School in 1993. He also participated in the Eagle Scouts.
In 1995, David graduated from the New England Institute at Mt. Ida College in Newton, MA, earning a degree in mortuary science. Three years later, he earned a bachelor's degree from Rhode Island College, and that same year, he received his embalming and funeral directing license.
David is passionate about caring for his community. He has been involved in coaching and volunteering with the East Greenwich Little League and also coached AAU baseball for many years. He was an assistant den leader for Pack 3 East Greenwich (Cub Scouts).
He is a lifelong resident of East Greenwich where he resides with his wife and two children, and he is a member of Our Lady of Mercy Church and the East Greenwich Veterans Fireman’s Association.
James Richard Melia is a compassionate soul with an unwavering commitment to his calling. Born and raised in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, James attended Saint Raphael Academy, where he laid the foundation for a life of service.
In 1985, James embarked on his illustrious career at V.J. MacAloon & Sons Funeral Home. From the start, James understood that every life deserves reverence and carried out his duties with utmost care.
Education has been James’s compass. He pursued his passion at the New England Institute of Funeral Services, affiliated with Mount Ida College. There, he honed his skills, learning both the technical aspects and the art of comforting those left behind.
In 2003, tragedy struck Rhode Island when the Station Nightclub fire in West Warwick claimed many lives. During that difficult time, James volunteered at the Rhode Island medical examiner's office, where he played a vital role in examining the deceased. His compassion extended beyond the professional realm: he retrieved DNA samples from the families of those lost in the fire, providing identification and solace during their darkest hours to those who survived.
Capitalizing on his wealth of experience, James continues to perform his delicate work and patiently imparts the art of embalming, cremation, and the nuances of funeral direction to junior professionals in the trade.
James is a beacon of integrity and unwavering dedication. His life’s work reminds us that in the face of great loss, the combination of professional competence, kindness, and empathy can heal even the deepest wounds.
Robert M. “Bob” Gubala is a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in training, leadership development, and public service. He currently serves as the Director of Outreach for Skeffington and Hill Funeral Homes, focusing on community engagement, preplanning, grief counseling, and educational seminars. Dr. Gubala has over 25 years of service at another funeral establishment in Cranston, Rhode Island, where he gained extensive experience in funeral service support and community relations.
A life of service has been the hallmark of Robert's vocation. Known for his caring nature and dedication to helping others, he has held prominent leadership roles in the United States Air Force Auxiliary, including vice commander, Government Relations Advisor, and Director of Public Affairs. He is a highly skilled mentor, facilitator, and public speaker with expertise in managing people and teams and fostering collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
He holds a Ph.D. in Theology, a Master of Divinity, and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management. Through his life of service, Dr. Gubala continues to demonstrate a passion for helping people, education, leadership, and community engagement, striving to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those he serves.
Richard Denise has been an East Greenwich resident for 68 years. He graduated from EGHS in 1974 and then from Roger Williams in 1990.
From 1981-1989, Richard worked full-time with EGPD. Since then, he has worked there part time. From 1989 to 2011, he also worked with EGFD, and he has been EG Town Sergeant since 1991. Then, in 2011, he joined our team at Hill-Skeffington.
Richard has been married to Mary Beth Pieraccini for 41 years, and they have 3 kids, all of whom are EGHS alums.
