John J. Skulley Jr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, November 4, 2025, at Covenant Healthcare in Saginaw. He was 80 years old. John James Skulley Jr. was born on December 5, 1944, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late John J. and Geraldine (Kocks) Skulley Sr. He attended Buena Vista High School and continued his education at Delta College. John was employed by Means Industries as a Tool and Die Maker, retiring in December 2006 after 39 years of dedicated service.
A lifelong Saginaw resident, John was previous member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, the Polish Falcons Club, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He loved playing hockey and ice skating, and he enjoyed men’s softball and Thursday night shuffleboard at the Falcons. John loved listening to music by Elvis Presley. A talented craftsman, John also took great pleasure in assembling model cars and had a particular fondness for Ford Thunderbirds.
In his younger years, John was under contract with the Detroit Tigers organization for five years, attending spring training and playing on their minor league team. He later shared his passion for baseball as a Little League coach and as a past president of the Swan Valley Little League. Known for his knack for building, repairing, and solving any problem, John always had the right tool for every job and could fix any sports equipment or household item; his family knew they could count on him for anything.
John was also a dedicated Saginaw Spirit fan and a longtime season ticket holder. As a billet parent, he welcomed players into his home, and he especially loved attending games with his grandchildren. Above all, John cherished time spent with his family. His grandsons, Nicholas and Brady, were the light of his life, and he took great joy in supporting them at every sporting event, always their biggest fan.
Surviving are his children, Tom Skulley and Melissa (Jamie) Bauer; grandchildren, Cera, Nicholas, and Brady; great-grandchildren, Jack, Scarlett, and Wesley; siblings, Kathy Passariello, Sue Skulley, and Timothy Skulley; mother of his children, Janet Skulley; one aunt, Kathleen Sisk, and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
John was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Michael Skulley.
The Skulley family extends heartfelt thanks to Minoo Kheterpal, MD, Christina, Minerva, Angelina, and Sandra for their kind and compassionate care of John during his time of need.
VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Monday, November 10, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will take place at the funeral home on Monday at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
FUNERAL SERVICE: A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1035 N. River Road, Saginaw, MI 48609. Rev. Fr. Peter Gaspeny will officiate. A Committal service will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery in Saginaw.
MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Humane Society Saginaw County, PO Box 1823, Saginaw, MI 48605. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.