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John Skala Obituary
John Skala enjoyed himself, but it was important that he made sure everyone else was having fun before he could get comfortable. "He loved making people laugh," said his sister, Irene Lesiw. "If he didn't see you smiling, he would try to make you smile before he would smile."
Officer Skala, 31, lived in Clifton, N.J., and was a Port Authority police officer assigned to the Lincoln Tunnel, and also worked part- time as a paramedic in New Jersey. He was called to the trade center after the towers were attacked.
Yash, as his friends called him, was well- known for his good humor and hospitality. He would put in a 48-hour shift but still find the time to have some fun with his friends. He could not hold a tune, but he loved to sing. At karaoke bars or at weddings, he would grab the microphone and break into song. Every year, he threw a Christmas party at his house open to everyone and anyone.
When he was young, he had a propensity for getting into mischief, like sneaking out in the middle of the night and driving around in his parents' car before he was even 16. "He was ahead of his time," said his sister.
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October 10, 2019
Officer Skala deserved to live a longer life. RIP...
I smile when I think of you
Judith Jermark
September 13, 2017
I posted a message on a Facebook page about you, so that more people could know about you, your courage, and how much I appreciate you. You always put others before yourself, and you have a great family of people who knew you well, and those who did not know you at all. I wear your Mercy Band, and am often asked about it. I explain how you made the ultimate sacrifice to save the lives of others on 9/11. You are an Angel now...you have always been an Angel.
Tom H
September 11, 2017
Today, 09/11/2017, we honor and remember you John. Thank you. To John's family members .. Allow John's personality to shine thru you. Share your experiences and thoughts with John .. he is a piece of you.
With much regards.
March 20, 2017
Thinking of you. You are missed. Rest in eternal peace my friend.
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Judith Jermark
Judith Jermark
March 11, 2017
Thoughts and prayers going out for you on 3/11/2017. Thanking you for your courage and humanity on 9/11. Your Mercy band is always with me.....
Judith Jermark
Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
Deandra Reed
August 1, 2015
R.I.P
May GOD bless your family and friends.
You are a hero
Judith Jermark
September 9, 2013
I continue wearing the Mercy Band with the name John P. Skala, PAPD, since 2011. You will always be the Guardian Angel who sits on my shoulder, just as you were on 9/11 when you selflessly went in to save the lives of others. I will never forget you. Gone, but never forgotten. Judith
Ruth Toro
June 30, 2013
I bet you're celebrating in heaven and making a ruckus. You are missed dearly. Happy Birthday John!
Gina Karlicki
September 10, 2012
Still thinking and praying for you. Life isn't the same without you. You touched so many lives.
August 31, 2012
John...No one will ever forget you!!! Thank you for all you did.....KLD
Lisa Marie Monaco
September 12, 2011
Your smile is remembered always...
I hope you are resting in peace & your family is comforted in knowing you are not forgotten.
Ed O'Brien
September 11, 2011
My name is Ed O'Brien and I live in Portland, Maine. Today, I marched in a 9/11 Remembrance parade and I had the honor of carrying a sign with Police Officer John P. Skala’s name. I felt the need to put a face with this hero. My heart aches for his family and friends who suffer the loss of this vibrant young man. My heart and prayers go out to his surviving family, please know what an honor it is to carry his sign today.
Dorothy Fesiak
September 11, 2011
May you rest peacefully in God's arms. Your friends and family will never let you be forgotten. My last memory of you was of you singing (I believe Elvis tunes) in my sister's house during Christmas time
Tanya Zywotchenko
September 11, 2011
My Cousin, Thank you for your brave and resilient spirit. God Bless you!
S Yaravitz
September 11, 2011
Does anyone have a email address for anyone in the Skala family?? I represented John in a 9 11 ceremony this morning.
Lesia
September 8, 2011
"Your soul doesn't care what you do for a living - and when your life is over, neither will you. Your soul cares only about what you are being while you are doing whatever you are doing. "
— Neale Donald Walsch
Yash, you demonstrated this everyday of your life..
10 years later - what we all remember is who you were being - a great friend, brother, son - a great conversationalist - a great teacher - a great person to make you forget your worries at the time - all I can say is THANK YOU for that.
Even now, you continue to teach us about the important things in life... life is too short to waste on the small stuff... Life large or go home... And you sure did... living life to the fullest, following your passions...
May you rest in peace, you will never be forgotten... Love and Peace to you.
Michael Hnatyshyn
September 8, 2011
RIP Yash. Always had fun up in CYM whether we were playing softball or hanging at the bar. You were a good man and left your mark on this world as I am sure you are doing in the next.
Walter Wolaniuk Jr
September 7, 2011
I will alway remember our sprited conversations about the art of skiing but mostly your friendship and moral support during my hardship - when other "close" friends turned away! Yash - you were and will always be a good man and friend! Vichnaya Pamyat!
Bill Marotta
March 9, 2011
I went to high school with you John. I did not know you that well, but you were always a cool and pleasant guy. Thank you for your sacrifice. God Bless
Judith Waterhouse
September 11, 2010
To one of America's beloved Heroes--you will always be in my mind and heart as I continue to wear the Mercy Band with your name. You made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, and I consider you my Guardian Angel. America will never forget your sacrifice and that of your family. Gone, but never forgotten.
Lisa Wozniak-Krawec
September 11, 2010
Yash one this day September 11, 2010 I think of you and the lives you touched. You were an amazing person full of spirit and laughter. You will always be in our prayers. Vichnaya Pamiat
June 30, 2010
happy birthday!
Samantha Taube-Moscoso
June 30, 2010
Happy birthday Scotty! You are in our thoughts everyday, not just today. Not to mention our hearts...
Andreas SKALA
October 11, 2009
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
Doug Abraham
June 30, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
Debbie Kuhn (corbo)
September 11, 2008
John,
Seven years later you are still an Angel looking down protecting us!
Ed Botto
September 11, 2008
Thinking of you today. God Bless!!!
Michael Ivahnenko
September 11, 2008
Hard to believe its been 7 years...
I'll never forget my friend
Michael
nigel hainsworth
July 30, 2008
As a former UK serviceman i know the sacrifices that people have to make.I feel compelled not because of any films or books that are made or written but by the pure fact that Heroes and i use that word most deliberately and sincerely as too many celebrities are now called 'heroes' because they win medals or score goals. John is one of those men to whom the term truly applies i feel sure that anyone who knew him is the better for it. Thanks John
Doug Abraham
June 30, 2008
Happy Birthday!!!
Eric Wunder
June 19, 2008
Still miss you PAL... We all REMEMBER !!
Ricardo Pamias
June 18, 2008
Mike, it's been a long time we've known each other. I think about how we would always run into each other, not often but quality made up for quantity. One doesn't realize how life changes in the Blink of the Eye, I miss you.........
kristine
August 19, 2007
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Stephanie Olivo
March 22, 2007
Johnny,You've known me all my life. You'll always be a part of me, and a part of my family. I think about you not only as a friend but as my uncle. I miss you so much. Me, my mom, my dad, Uncle Bengi, and the whole family still thinks about you and talks about the crazy things you used to do with them. I love you.. and miss you alot
P Tabbernor
March 14, 2007
In memory....
Lisa Marie (Skala) Huff
September 11, 2006
John,
My tears have flowed for you today, finding out that a "Skala" was taken from us 5 years ago today. I am sure that the family extends between us. There is another angel with you up in heaven, my brother, John Philip Skala, from Springfield, MA. Your heroism and sacrafice will forever be remembered.
anonymous
September 11, 2003
Thanks for being such a hero and inspiration to everyone. Your bravery and willingness to sacrifice your life in order to save the lives of others is truly astounding and inspiring. Thank you.
Joyce
September 11, 2003
John,
September 11, 2003- I woke up today and as my feet hit the floor my first thought was of you. The days leading up to today were the same. I didn't want to cry because I know you prefer laughter and a big smile but, I could not contain myself. I am wearing your picture close to my heart today yet it does not ease the sorrow. We miss you and we love you. The Stempkowski Family
Samantha Taube
April 8, 2003
As the years went by, we drifted apart. When I heard that you were gone I felt a shadow cross my heart.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. God speed Scottie.
Always,
Samantha (Tabitha)
SCOTT SKALA
March 7, 2003
I have never met John, nor did I know of him until today (03-07-2003). I was so saddened to learn that a "Skala", and a brother police officer was killed in the 911 WTC attack. From the memorials written by his friends it is apparent that he was a great person and a fine police officer. My deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and comrades.
Debbie Kuhn (Corbo)
September 12, 2002
You are the meaning of a True Hero!I learned alot from you on Passaic Volunteer Ambulance and you made me laugh when you would help me when I worked at JCMC EMS.....and laugh even harder when you would make faces at us when we passed you at the tunnel! You are missed but never forgotten!
Darka Baran-Fesiak
September 11, 2002
You always had a smile and always took time to say hello. The last time I saw you was in Sloatsburg (where you called me by my nickname which you and Michael always did). Your voice will be missed during caroling. Rest now, you've earned it. Just know how much you'll be missed by your family and friends. To your family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Darka
Talia S.
September 11, 2002
Yash, It had been years since I've seen you but I have never forgotten you and never will. Your zest for life and genorisity of your spirit will forever be remembered by anyone that ever knew you. I know you're making the angels laugh now! You are a true hero.
Love, Talia
P.O. Albert Mack
September 9, 2002
As we near 09/11/02, Your heroism is not, or ever will be forgotten. In valor there is hope.....
PAPD #1639
Passaic/Clifton MICU #2024
Ruth E. Toro Passaic E.M.S. #639
Ruth Toro
August 8, 2002
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.
I miss you dearly John. Knowing you was a pleasure, and working with you was an honor.
Your memory lives on.
Ruth E. Toro
Passaic E.M.S. #639
Nancy Dellomes
July 25, 2002
If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to
keep.
If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.
If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted
up in praise,
I would video tape each action
and word,
so I could play them day after day.
If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming
you would KNOW I do.
If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
I'm sure you'll have so many more
so I can let just this one slip
away.
For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.
There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
Certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"
But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold a loved one tight.
So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,
That you didn't take that extra
time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to give
someone what was to be their
one last wish.
So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them
dear.
Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you,"
or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.
We haven't forgotten.
Jolene Flynn
June 2, 2002
I have not been in contact with John since high school but I am proud and honored that he was my friend.
There are alot of fun memories I have of us. (He probably is laughing right now! That is something he always did! ) He called me JO-JO and I always made fun of his hair !
There are not many people in this world who can rise above their own
worries & problems to HELP others.
Not only on 9/11, but everyday in his life.
He was and is an extrodinary person and may his memory live forver.
Even though I only knew the boy and never met the man, I know that he was and will always remain a caring, and generous man who loved all. My heart goes out to all of John's family & his friend's.
Jolene Flynn (nee Grabowski)
Class of 1988, Clifton, NJ
Christina Jancew
May 30, 2002
Yash, you were one person who touched everyone's hearts. Your honesty, comedy and joy of life should be an example to all. I know you're happy and doing great in Heaven. The way I see it, you learned to be a cop here and now GOD has you as one of his angels taking care of people here from above. - I'll never forget you Yash!! - Sorry we fought that time. - Love, Yanch
Angie Campbell
May 16, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
April 30, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL HERO..JOHN P.SKALA AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..MAY JESUS AND ST.JOHN GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN....AMEN
michael lovitch
March 12, 2002
To the most dedicated, highly respected,well liked police officer/paramedic. I was fortunate to have worked with you as a partner and friend. Great memories of you will live in my heart forever. As you would say "shalom alechem my brother".
Glen Bennett
March 11, 2002
John, You probably wouldn't remember me but I sure remember you. We worked together on the ambulance in Passaic several years ago. You were kind hearted and loved your job. My heart is with you and your family.
Teresa Uttke
March 11, 2002
I did not know John. In honor of John and all the fallen Officers and Firefighters I wear a Port Authority Police Department Hat with John's name displayed and the American Flag. I am a Police Officer In Portland, Oregon and I know nothing I do or say will bring John back, but I think of that horrific day and all of the brave Officers and Fire Fighters and my hearts go out to their families and freinds. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
Teresa T. Uttke
Lesia Bilyj Sanchez
March 11, 2002
You will always be in our hearts and in our souls. You lived life to the fullest and showed us through your acts of heroism the important things in life.
andrew a. white
January 29, 2002
john just want to say that i will always remember you as a great friend and will never forget the fun times we had working together on the job.
Teresa Jahn
December 11, 2001
We thank John for dedicating his life to protect others. We are extremely sorry for your loss of John. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
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