John Joseph Skiff Jr.

John Joseph Skiff Jr.

April 7, 1951 - June 8, 2024

John Joseph Skiff Jr. of Rising Sun, MD, formerly of Ellenville, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 8, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. John was the oldest son of the late Pauline (Hadden) Skiff and John Skiff Sr.

John was born April 7, 1951, grew up in Ulster County, NY and eventually settled down with his family in Ellenville. He loved his family deeply and was a loyal son, brother, uncle, friend and father.

The oldest of 10 children, John was a jack of all trades: engineer, carpenter, mechanic, and musician. At 18, John volunteered to serve in the Army during the Vietnam War from 1969-1971. There he was awarded several medals and qualifications. He received two diplomas for Engineering Equipment Repair and Maintenance. Upon his return home, he made a name for himself working for Skiff Brothers Carpentry and the V.A.W. of America in Ellenville.

He enjoyed riding 4 wheelers, snowmobiles, hunting and fishing in the mountains. Playing cards, darts, dominoes, horseshoes, the lottery, drinking an ice-cold longneck Budweiser and raising hell with his dogs were just a few things he lived for.

An amazing storyteller, he shared glimpses of his adventures with anyone who would listen. John moved to Maryland in 2014 where he lived with his former wife of 40 years (Laurel Skiff). John was the life of every party and was considered by many as the patriarch of their large family. John will be greatly missed by lots of amazing friends, surviving members of his family and of course his beloved Chihuahua, Myla.

John is survived by his daughter, Ryan Hurley and her husband Tim. Surviving siblings: Joseph Skiff, Paula Skiff, Christine Schwab, Katrina Pritchard, Patrick Skiff, and Michael Skiff. John is also survived by many adoring nieces and nephews.

John is predeceased by his sister, Susan (Suzie) Walker and brothers Jeffrie (Peter) and Ryan (Smiley) Skiff.

A private cremation was held. 

A Military Funeral Honors Ceremony will be held at 10:00 am on August 10th in the Mt. View Section at Fantinekill Cemetery.