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John Skehan Obituary
of Ashburnham; 90
ASHBURNHAM -- John P. Skehan Sr., 90 (a.k.a. Big Book John) of Ashburnham, went into the arms of the Lord on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at home surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Skehan leaves his beloved wife of 67 years, Cecile M. (Gravelle) Skehan, two sons John P. Skehan Jr. and his wife Leona of Ashburnham, James M. Skehan and his wife Anna of Westminster, five daughters, Sharon Berman and her husband Louis of Winchendon, Cecile Pucko, Maureen LeBrecque and her husband Donald, Nancy Skehan all of Ashburnham, Susan Skehan and her partner Ray Kujala of Hubbardston, 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Joanne LeClair in Sept. 2009 and 4 brothers Tom, Paul, Ed and Donald.
Born on May 3, 1922 in Fitchburg, MA, he was the son of John P. and Annie (Morley) Skehan.
John worked for many years as a foreman at Ray Plastics until his retirement in 1984.
During WWII Mr. Skehan served his country for three years in the US Army. One of his proudest moments was in 2010 when he received two Bronze Service Stars, the WWII Victory Medal and American flag on Memorial Day in the presence of Tim Murray, Lt. Governor. Jim Brehio, manager of the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, worked hard on Mr. Skehan's behalf to ensure these medals 65 years later.
He was also a member of AA for over 40 years in Gardner and became a mentor for numerous people. He was a member of St. Denis Church in Ashburnham.
John was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.
He enjoyed auto repair projects and going for afternoon rides with his wife who was the love of his life.
Above all he truly enjoyed spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. He was a very spiritual, giving and caring person who always did for others and was loved by all. John will be greatly missed by the many lives he touched.
SKEHAN -- A Graveside Service will be held Thursday, May 24th at 2:00 p.m. in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 GlenAllen Road, Winchendon.
There are no calling hours.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the VNA Care Hospice, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01608.
Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner is handling the arrangements.
www.boucherfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Skehan
Sponsored by Jeff Berman.
Nicholas Labrecque
December 17, 2013
missing you again today. It's hard to keep in mind that you have left for the place that is better than any other love you Grandpa
Nicholas Labrecque
December 7, 2013
thinking of you again today with all of the challenges in life i wonder how you overcame so many obstacles, Did so many wonderful things for others & maintained such a strong faith. You lived a story that is as hard to live up to as it is to hold on to the strong faith that you were able to keep. i think about you a lot and about all of us writing our stories by the actions both motor and verbal and what kind of feelings the reader would have from begging to end.
Nicholas Labrecque
December 5, 2013
Grandpa Christmas is just around the corner to be honest Christmas makes me think of you the warm loving feeling of the holiday season is how you were to me. I love you Grandpa
nicholas Labrecque
November 27, 2013
Grandpa you are forever loved I miss you more than I can ever say or show. I admit that when I pull up in your driveway I still half expect to see you great everyone with open arms. but the reminder that you are gone is more than what could be bared I miss you so much and I will do my best to live a life that will make you proud.
Nancy Skehan
January 18, 2013
Hi Dad,I still miss you so much.Ma knows something is wrong but can't quite put her finger on it.We all miss you dad.You were the best.Love,Nancy
Nancy Skehan
November 20, 2012
Hi Dad,It's been six long months since I've seen your beautiful face.God dad I miss you so much.It's hard to go on without you.I love you so so much.
Nancy Skehan
October 9, 2012
Hi Dad,I Love You so much.I'm still taking good care of ma with the help of Susan.She is a Godsend but you already knew that.Kiss Joanne for me.I can't wait to be with both of you.But I will have too.Love N.
Nancy Skehan
August 19, 2012
Hi Dad,Three long months without you.You are so missed by everyone.I hope you were smiling down on all of us today at Jeff's birthday party.I know you are really proud of him.Now,he has a beautiful family of his own and I bet he's going to walk in your footsteps.I Love You Nancy
Nancy Skehan
August 9, 2012
Hi Dad,I love you so much.It still hurts when I think of you,because I miss you so much.Dad,thank God for your wisdom.Because of you I don't want to have a drink no matter what happens.You are my shinning star.Love,Nancy
Nancy Skehan
July 29, 2012
Hu Dad,Hav'nt been writing much because my hands ache,But I miss you so much.It's hard to go on without you.I miss you so much my heart aches.I love you dad.Always have and always will,Nancy
Karen Berman
July 2, 2012
Hi Grampa...
It's been a long time since I wrote in here. I'm sorry. I know you know I talk to you every day though. I wish you could talk back. Even just once. It's rough here. From the outside it can appear that things are kinda running back to normal but I don't think they are, or ever will be. 4th of July is so close. Reminds me of Aunt Joanne and makes me miss you both so very much. I looked forward to those yearly parties more and more as I got older, and understood as time passed what these get togethers were really for. When I was a kid it meant awesome food and swimming. But now I get what she was doing. She was giving us all the chance to be together, even if it was just one day, it was a GREAT day. and EVERYONE showed... I miss that. And when we lost her, we tried to carry on tradition and do things together. Me, Sarah, Jeff, Christine, Greg, Sharon, Maureen...we still keep in contact and try to have what we call cousin's night. Did you know about that? We started it after Aunt Joanne passed, kinda to honor her, and her love of family, and keeping us together. And I know she got that from you. We all did. And I am passing that to my kids, the importance of family, and that nothing else is above it. We have to stick together. I knew losing you was going to devastate us all. You were the piece that held everything together. And without you, everything seems so wobbly. I miss you every day Grampa. I haven't been to see you lately because honestly, it scares me to have it in my face. I haven't been able to bring myself to go since your headstone has been placed. I mean, I know you're there, but the words engraved in stone means it's really permanent and I don't think I'm ready yet. But just keep listening and I'll keep talking, and I'll try to get there soon. Help me if you can. Send some extra strength for Aunt Nancy, please. I'll go check on them again this week. Love you forever, you will always be the most amazing man I will ever know. <3
Nancy Skehan
June 22, 2012
Hi Dad,It's your AA anniversary today.Oh how I wish I would be giving you your medal.Well dad you died sober.You were such a power of example.I can only hope to be half as good as you were to so many.I love you dad and always will.Your loving daughter Nancy
Nancy Skehan
June 20, 2012
Hi Dad,I went to visit you today and brought you the most beautiful flowers.I know you would love them so I put them in two vases,They are beautiful, just like you were your whole life,Oh Dad,How can I go on without you.You have always been the one with all the sensible advice.Please help me get some strength that is much needed.I'm so sad without you,but I must stay here to take care of ma.I'll write to you soon.I Love YOU
Nancy Skehan
June 17, 2012
Hi Dad,Happy Father's Day.This is the saddest father's day ever.I miss you so very much.And poor ma is always asking for you.Thank God she has dementia,at least she can't remember that awful day we lost you.She would die of a broken heart.She misses you every day.I love you dad and I'll be there to see you with Susan today.Love Nancy
Nancy Skehan
June 14, 2012
Hi my wonderful dad.I miss you and don't think I can go on without you.You were and always have been my rock.I'm leaning on Susan too much.She has been the one keeping things together.She' having a hard time as you know she loved you so very much.Dad you always had the right answers and now I don't even know the questions.Oh Dad.Please help me find a way to see you.I Love you dad....Nancy
Nancy Skehan
June 13, 2012
Hi Dad,Here Iam again.I miss you so very much.Sunday is father's day and this is going to be the first time we won't be celebrating.You were by far the best dad anyone could have.We have a good family all because of you and ma.There's so much stuff I have in my head and only wish I could get it all out dad.I pray and pray but at the end of the I'm still missing you more and more.Oh dad,I justlove you so much it hurts.Please help me make the right decisions in life.I know somehow you will come to me if it's at all possible.And I will wait for the right answers.I love you,love you and love you more than anything in this world.I'm coming to visit you tomorrow with Susan.I think I'll bring you something dad.goodnight dad,I love you.Nancy
Patti York
June 13, 2012
Dear Uncle John:
My heart is very heavy with sadness as I write this note, but I have comfort in knowing that you are now in heaven with my dad and Joanne and all of our loved ones who have passed. You will always be my very "special" uncle and I will hold your wonderful memory in my heart forever.
May God watch over Aunt Ce, Sharon, Cecile, Johnny, Maureen, Nancy, Susan, Jimmy, all of your beautiful grandchildren and great grandchildren through this most difficult time, and may the faith and love of our family help us in the days ahead to ease our heartache knowing that you are at peace.
All my love forever.....
Your Niece Patti
Nancy Skehan
May 27, 2012
Hi Dad,It's been 6 days since I lost you and I really can't imagine my life without you.The pain is far too great to bear.We've been so close for so very long.Dad please help me one last time.I Love you so much,Your special daughter Nancy
James and Anne Morash
May 27, 2012
Thank you and your lovely wife, Mr. Skehan, for giving us the most wonderful friend - your daughter, Maureen. We met Maureen and Don, both best friends of ours forever, only last year. It is a heavenly blessing not knowing what was to come with your oncoming passing as they love you so much. Maureen had recently lost her sister, Joanne, and we had lost our sister Janet, so we hope we were able to help by support through this sad time of helping you to heaven in a quiet way. You must have been a great man, as so many have said, because Maureen and Don are the very kindest of people - as you must have been too reading all of the heartfelt words people have sent to your guestbook. We know you are with your daughter, Joannne,and our sister, Janet, enjoying your reward in heaven, as you helped so many in your daily living. Thank you for giving us such perfect friends, your family, who will take care of your sweet wife.
Karen Berman
May 25, 2012
I came to see you today... I felt so lost at first. I didn't know how to find you, thankfully the young man working the grounds helped me out. I didn't really know what to do or say... so I just knelt down in the wet grass behind where your headstone soon will be. I hope you heard me when I spoke to you. When I told you I love you and how much everyone misses you. And when I asked you to watch over us, especially Gram and Aunt Nancy. Did you see how many people gathered in your honor yesterday? As sad as I was, I felt proud to be your granddaughter. You did so much good during your time here. I couldn't believe it. You gave so much time to help others yet never let any one of us feel neglected for one second. That is a feat I'm sure not many men can pull off. I like hearing stories about you, where you've been... what you've done. I haven't prayed in a very long time Grampa. I hope that doesn't disappoint you, but it's true. Today though, I did. Short and sweet though. I asked God to help you help us... we are all hurting right now without you. I couldn't find any more words to say to you, so I just sat there for a while and closed my eyes and cried. As it was time to go, I kissed my hand and touched it to the ground at your site. I wish I could kiss you for real but that's as close as I can get now. When I left, I told you I'd be back and I will. I promise. Love you.
Sarah Ilinitch
May 23, 2012
Grandpa...Just wanted to say how much I love and miss you already. Been trying to visit with gram as much as possible...I know you're looking down on us from a better place. I'll miss our birthday calls back and forth to eachother, I looked forward to that every year. Im glad we could share that day with eachother. I love you. Take care of Aunt Joanne and let her know how much we miss her too. Xo. This candle will forever burn for you...
Greg LaBrecque
May 23, 2012
Dear God,
I wanted to take a moment to say,"Thank You"! I appreciate the opportunity you gave me to know such an incredible man. I'm thankful for the extra time you gave us after his car accident. You could have called him home then, but you didn't. I'm thankful for the wisdom you gave me to use that time to tell my grandfather how special he was to me, how much he had meant to me, and how much I loved him. Again I say, "Thank You"!
Grampa, although you are no longer here in body, your spirit will live on forever. I have so many fond memories of you, I will never forget you. You were such a great man and I'm a better man for having known you. "THANK YOU"!
P.S. Grampa you were right. You don't have to be wealthy to give someone your time. I hope to live by your example. I miss you, I love you, Greg.
John Skehan
May 23, 2012
Dad,
I just wanted to tell you how much I miss you already. You were the best father in the whole world. The family already misses you very much and we will always miss you.
Love,
Johnny
Anna Skehan
May 23, 2012
Dad,
You were the most sweetest, endearing person I have ever met. You've had a big impact on my life through Jimmy and all the great advice you have given him over the years that has somehow comforted me. Beautiful insights! I will miss your warmth and humor and funny exchanges back and forth between you and Ma. You were a very special person. I love you very much.
Family Picture
Jeff Berman
May 23, 2012
Grandpa & Jeff, 5/20/2011
Jeff Berman
May 23, 2012
Grandpa,
You will forever be missed. You have always held a special part in my life. You were an incredible person and grandfather. I always looked up to you and I always will. I believe I became the person I am today because of you. The world knew you as many roles, and I knew you as Mr. Fix It. The memories I have with you will never be forgotten. From spoiling me with pizza after pizza, drinking Sunkist orange soda or having Chips Ahoy cookies together, visits to Friendly's for ice cream (where you would always get a banana split), crushing cans in your garage, playing with the tracer guns from Ray Plastics, the card games such as scat, watching you work on cars or watching your beloved sports. It didn't matter what we did, as I just enjoyed coming to see you. I will forever remember a line you once told me: “Would you rather be right, or would you rather be happy”. Just thinking about you brings a smile to my face. As a newlywed, I can only hope to have what you and Gram had. When the time comes for my daughter to have children, I will strive to be the kind of grandfather you were. Missing you always... Love your grandson, Jeff.
Nancy Skehan
May 22, 2012
Dearest Dad,Nobody could ever fill your shoes.I loved you so very much.At least your with Joanne in heaven.You were the best father in the world.We were so lucky to have you.I'm so blessed to have had you for so long.You will be forever missed.Rest in peace dad and don't worry about ma.I promised you I would take good care of her,andI meant it.I Love you dad always have & always will.Nancy
James Skehan
May 22, 2012
Dad, words cannot describe the love your family has for you. Your love and support over the years will never be forgotten. You gave so much to everyone you knew.I am so proud to have you as my Father. I know you are at peace and will someday be together again. One day at a time, love you and miss you so much.
Brenda Brousseau
May 22, 2012
Beav So sorry to hear about you and your families loss. You are in my prayers
Scott Arsenault
May 22, 2012
Big Book John you will be missed by all AA members in the area. You helped me get sober, you are a legend.
Karen Berman
May 22, 2012
Ohhhh Grampa, I miss you terribly. I hope wherever you are you can still feel all the love every one of us has for you. I'm so glad I was able to come see you and talk to you before you left us. I know you knew I was there. You've always been the number one guy in my life, and always will be. Watch over us... this is the hardest thing we'll ever have to do and need strength as we lay you to rest. I love you forever.
MIKE & LINDA WARD
May 22, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sr. Carol skehan
May 22, 2012
Uncle John was one of "The Greatest Generation". He was loving, gentle and unassuming. Now all 5 of the Skehan boys are with their mother in heaven!
Sandra Skehan-Whitney
May 22, 2012
Dear Aunt Cecile, Nancy, Cecile, Sharon, Maureen,James and John. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We love you all, Sandy & Steve
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