John Michael Skeffington, Jr. "Jack"

John Michael Skeffington, Jr. (“Jack”), 87, of Newport, RI, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 2, 2026.

Born in Providence, RI on August 11, 1938, Jack was the eldest of three children of the late John M. and Evelyn (Walsh) Skeffington. He was raised in a proud Irish Catholic household in the Smith Hill section of Providence. He attended the St. Augustine School and LaSalle Academy. In 1961, Jack graduated from the New England Institute of Anatomy with full intention of becoming a Funeral Director, like his father.

For more than 65 years, as a third-generation owner of Skeffington Funeral Home in Providence, Jack was the consummate Funeral Director. He was tall, formal, well-organized and always impeccably dressed. He commanded the attention of a room with dignity, grace and empathy. Equally notable, Jack was as much a skilled listener as he was an advisor during challenging times. And, he was profoundly gifted and remembered for comforting the hearts of those enduring the painful grief and loss of loved ones.

Jack lived most of his life in Providence and devoted much of his time and energies to serving the community he loved. Despite a busy schedule, Jack served as a Rhode Island State Representative for District 9 (Providence) and was elected 5 times. He 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 was a former Chairman of the Rhode Island Highway Corp. and served as a board member of RIPTA, Roger Williams Hospital and the John E. Fogarty Foundation.

More than anything, however, Jack treasured his time spent with family and friends. Whether gathered at his favorite restaurant, enjoying a casual backyard cookout, or celebrating holidays and birthdays together, Jack found great joy simply in the company of those he loved. He was equally happy attending sporting events or concerts, though for him the real highlight was never the games or music, but rather, the laughter, conversation, and shared moments with family and friends. An engaging storyteller with a warm smile and welcoming nature, he had a gift for forming connections with people wherever life took him. His stories, humor, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of his company.

Jack’s most enduring legacy was his commitment to his faith, family and friends. He was a regular communicant of St. Pius V Catholic Church in Providence.

Jack is survived by his longtime companion Joyce Motte of Newport. He is also survived by three sons John M. Skeffington, III (Kellie) of Lincoln, RI, Robert B. Skeffington (Lesley) of North Providence, RI, and Peter J. Skeffington of Providence, RI; his sister, Jane A. Skeffington of Providence; three granddaughters Kiley Skeffington, Blair Skeffington and Avery Skeffington of Providence, RI; his nephew; James J. Skeffington Jr. of Chestnut Hill, MA; and niece Erinn E. Murray of Westfield, NJ. He was the brother of the late James J. Skeffington, Sr.

A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Pius V Catholic Church, 240 Eaton Street, Providence, RI. Calling hours are respectfully omitted. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations in Jack’s memory may be made to Hope Hospice, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904 www.hopehealthco.org. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Skeffington Funeral Home and Cremations of Providence, www.hillskeffington.com