Rev. John R. Skehan
February 15, 1956 ~ August 31, 2022
Resided in:
Augusta, Maine
Augusta - Rev. John R. Skehan, 66, Pastor of St. Michael Parish, passed away unexpectedly on August 31, 2022 at the home of friends in Gray.
Born in Bangor on February 15, 1956, Fr. John was the son of the late John and Patricia (Theriault) Skehan.
Fr. John grew up in Bath and Hampden. He graduated from Hampden Academy in 1974 and received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Bowdoin College in Brunswick in 1978. Prior to entering seminary, Fr. John followed in his dad's footsteps and became an educator. He was the educational coordinator for “Up with People” and a junior high science teacher in Oakland, Maine. In addition to his teaching duties, he was also involved in coaching various sports.
Fr. John completed his clerical studies at the Theological College at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. and was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Edward C. O’Leary on May 24, 1986, at St. Matthew’s Church in Hampden. His first assignment was serving as parochial vicar at Notre Dame Parish in Waterville, including campus ministry at Colby College and Unity College. In the late 1980's, Fr. John was appointed chaplain of Maine Medical Center in Portland, where he would serve until being named pastor of St. Mary of the Visitation Parish in Houlton. Following his time in Houlton, Fr. John was appointed as the director of the Office of Parish Planning for the Diocese of Portland. In the mid-2000's, he was named pastor of St. Michael Parish in South Berwick and Our Lady of Peace Parish in Berwick. In addition to his duties in South Berwick and Berwick, Fr. John was appointed pastor of St. Christopher Parish in York and St. Raphael Parish in Kittery. He also volunteered as the Chaplain for the Berwick Fire Dept. After leaving York County, Fr. John was named pastor of the Parish of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Stella Maris Parish, and St. Joseph Parish in Hancock County. In 2018, Fr. John was named pastor of St. Michael Parish in Augusta, which also serves the communities of Winthrop, Gardiner, Hallowell, and Whitefield. Fr. John served the Catholic Communities of Maine with the core values expected of any priest: he was kind, thoughtful, compassionate, and above all, he had an innate desire to be in service of God and others. Fr. John was the epitome of a caring and kind priest who went above and beyond to help in any way he could. He will be deeply missed by his family, the entire Diocese of Portland and the parishioners of the communities he served.
Fr. John lived life to the fullest. He traveled all over the world with “Up with People” and continued those travels throughout his life. His most recent trip was bringing together a group of parishioners on a pilgrimage to The Holy Land. He loved Theriault Family reunions, music, cooking, sports, and making home repairs and renovations. He loved musical theater and had season tickets for many years to the MSMT in Brunswick, as well as the Ogunquit Playhouse. His sense of humor and optimism were contagious to all who knew him. He would be your friend for life.
Fr. John was predeceased by his parents, John and Patricia and his brother, William E. Skehan.
He is survived by his sister, Mary E. Skehan of Topsham; brother, Robert A. Skehan and his wife Michelle of Vassalboro; and nephew, Conor Skehan; in addition, he is survived by aunts Phyllis Theriault of Portland, Dorothy Theriault of Scarborough, and Joan Theriault of Bangor; as well as many extended family members and friends.
Relatives and Friends are invited to attend a Reception of the Body and Liturgy of the Hours at 4PM on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at St. Augustine Church, 75 Northern Ave., Augusta. Fr. John will lie in state at the church until 7PM. A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM on Monday, September 5, 2022 at St. Augustine Church with The Most Rev. Robert P. Deeley, J.C.D., as Principal Celebrant. Msgr. Paul Stefanko will be the homilist. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of Portland. To view Fr. John’s memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael School, 56 Sewall Street, Augusta, ME 04330
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His early vocation as a teacher shaped his ability to relate to kids, and this helped him reach many children with the love of God in ways that someone without that life experience couldn’t do. He was wonderful. As a high school kid I served on a statewide retreat youth group based out of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Fairfield. Having made a connection with Fr. John during his time at Notre Dame in Waterville, our youth director made arrangements with him to come to Houlton and put on a retreat with the teens in his parish. He was involved in every aspect of the retreat. He was a gracious host to us at the rectory and he knew the likes/dislikes and strengths/weaknesses of every kid in his church, much like a teacher would. He was down to earth and relatable. Yes, he made the world a better a place, but today, Heaven is a better place because of him. God speed, Fr. John.
Aimee Lanteigne
I remember when Father Skehan was ordained and he had come to Notre Dame Parish to preside over the mass. He had a spring in his step and truly loved the role he had taken in life in his service to God. May God’s grace shine upon him for the years he served as God’s shepherd for his people. May he rest in God’s heavenly peace.
Rest in peace Fr. John. You will be missed!🙏💙🙏
May Fr. John rest in peace. He will be missed.
Father John baptized me last April and made me feel so welcome to St. Augustine church. He was a truly kind man.
He was a dedicated platelet donor at the Red Cross and such a pleasant gentleman.
Fr John was a friend to all. He will be missed. John made himself available to all emergency services departments, specifically police & fire. In York Maine when he was at St.Christopher’s Church, he approached me about helping in times of need. Many times, Fr John assisted us with moral & spiritual support following a serious emergency event in town and many neighboring fire depts knew him on a first name basis. He was quick to say a brief prayer, while participating in 9/11 memorial events. John also was quick to roll up his sleeves and help with food & drink at emergency scenes, in addition to being always supportive in his own kind way. In my estimation, he was one of the very best chaplains we have ever had the pleasure of being with.
Rest in Peace Father John!
Best regards to his friends, relatives and fellow clergy.
Respectfully, Chris Balentine, York Fire Dept.– Fire Chief.
Father came to St. Michael Parish and immediately we formed a relationship I will never forget. He was an outstanding leader and certainly in a better place today. Fr. John RIP.
Fr John was very special to me and my family. He officiated at my niece’s marriage and my Mother’s funeral mass. I will miss him dearly and now he is with his Heavenly Father.
Father John presided over my mother funeral three weeks ago. That was my second interaction with him. The first was three years ago when he presided over my brother’s graveside service. Both interactions with Father John were wonderful. I felt, upon meeting him, that I had a friend. Someone who would understand whatever I shared with him in a compassionate way. It was just a feeling since I hardly knew him, but that was what he conveyed without words. I’m so very sorry to learn of his passing and my condolences to his family and friends.
To the family of Father Skehan,
All of us at Brookings-Smith were deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Father Skehan. We had the honor of caring for both of his parents. At that time, he created a lasting memory for all of us. I had said to him, that I wish he could come to Bangor but he informed me that it probably would not happen because of his age and his numerous responsibilities in Augusta. I am 85 years old and I remember him vividly saying at his father’s service that none of us, regardless of our age, know the date and time when our death may occur and we need to be prepared.
I will keep you all in my prayers.
Most Sincerely,
Gary Smith
Brookings-Smith
I am an Agnostic and at times would visit St Joseph in Gardiner he was always welcoming and non judgemental ,very friendly from what I have learned about Christ,this gentle man did imitate Christ I sincerely believe he went home because his work here was done well Done Fr John,peaceful travels home it was an honor to meet you just for a little while
Father John was a hard working Godly priest dedicated to the Church and the parish. He will be deeply missed.
My family were neighbors and friends of Father John’s family many years ago. Later, he served my mother’s parish and then mine. Overseeing St. Michael’s school, Father John got to know my son, so it feels in many ways we came full circle and I cherish getting to know him through the years. He meant so much to my family.
Father showed his love of God through his homilies and his love and care for each and every one of his parishioners. I truly will miss him and so saddened with his death. However, I know he is with our heavenly Father.
Fr. John, Was more than our pastor, and as the schools principal he was more than my boss. He was a great friend. One of the very best men I have ever known. He will be missed By me more than anyone will ever know.
In my early years, the Skehan family lived next door to our family. They were all a very big part of my childhood. Rev. John grew up to lead a very full life that touched many people, and he will be fondly remembered. Condolences to his family on this untimely loss.
To Mary and John and family I was so sorry to hear of father Skehan passing. what a lovely man he was. Take care. Kristen Tully
Fr John was our pastor at The
Ascension of the Lord. He was a wonderful priest and and a wonderful man. I loved listening to his Homily at Mass. We have a beautiful church at Our of the Angels in South Berwick because of his hard work and determination to build. I was in Real Estate and I enjoyed our time looking at properties for his retirement. God has other plans for him. Rest in peace Fr John, you will be missed. Linda Dutch
My prayers and condolences go out to the entire St. Michael Parish and especially to my fellow staff and students at St. Michael School! 🙏🏻
My favorite memory with Fr. John was at our school staff party last year and the judging of the pizza decorating. It was a fun evening and one I will cherish. ❤️
I LOVED hearing him preach and my favorite times are when He was at Vacation Bible school…He will be MISSED!
Father Skehan was the Pastor of my church at St. Raphaels in Kittery.
My sincerest condolences to Father John’s family, friends; and parishioners. He will be greatly missed by many. He was a wonderful Priest. His presence was missed when he left our church in Kittery.
A man of deep faith, energy, passion, and commitment to God and the Catholic Church.
“If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to God.”
When he was at St. Raphaels he kept a snowmobile there. During one of our many many Maine winter blizzards
What a complete and absolute passion and energy he had for God and the Church. He literally gave his all to God and the Church.
With his faith, compassion, love for God, and humanity. He had a wonderful sense of humor.
His kindness.
His patience.
The amazing amount of enthusiasm and energy he had for taking on even the most daunting and sometimes seemingly impossible of tasks in regard to undertaking the building of new churches in the parishes he served.
Patience, even with the most challenging of the many different personality types.
He was a beacon of hope, kindness, and compassion. He was an inspiration to many.
His amazingly positive attitude and sense of humor
Thank you for all you have brought to the Catholic church, parishioners, and me. You truly were a man of great faith and humility, and a great role model for all.
Play his guitar, and discuss the Saints and his collection of Saint relics. Create positive change.
Leading by example in his kindness and compassion, love of God, and the Church.
Possibly his relics of the Saints.
He was thoughtful and caring. I will miss his wonderful and caring spirit.
Peace be with you Fr. John, you will be greatly missed by everyone. You are a kind man.
My sincere condolences to Fr. Johns family and friends.May his soul rest in peace.🙏
Father John meant so much to our Family and our Parish. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with him and his family.
When he first arrived at St. Michael’s, we invited him to dinner at our home. We enjoyed a great meal and insightful conversation
His ability to make the Gospels real
He was kind, smart and even keeled
Our condolences go out to his family and the people of his parish. We will miss his great homilies and his kindness. Rest in peace Father John.
My family were very blessed to have Fr. JOHN always when we needed his ministry. I will miss him very much. He has a special place in my heart. Condolences to the family. Fr. John rest in peace.
My love thoughts go out to his family & friends! I only met Father John last year at St Michael’s School because we parked our 18 wheeler in the rectory parking area. We was doing a project with the school on geography. He came and introduced himself and we had a beautiful conversation about our travels and how he was looking to buy a camper and travel once he retired from the church. We gave him tips and talked about the people we’ve met who are traveling the US in campers. Now he gets to see all of God’s glory from above! Enjoy your journey Father John
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples..”
[Mother Teresa]
….totally embodies Father John…
Rest in Peace
So very sorry for the loss of dear father John, he will be missed by so many.
Gone too soon! Dedicated Priest, Wonderful person, a Gift to us all! God’s speed Fr. John, RIP