John Richard Skiba

John Richard Skiba “The Mayor of Dewey Avenue” John Richard Skiba, 75, of Cliffside Park, affectionately known as “the mayor of Dewey Avenue,” passed away suddenly on August 6, 2025. Born in Englewood, New Jersey, to John and Hedwig (née Kotowski) Skiba, John spent his early childhood in North Bergen before moving to Cliffside Park as a teenager. He remained there for the rest of his life, passing peacefully at the home he dearly loved. A devoted son to his parents, John was also a loyal friend and neighbor. He was often seen shopping at the Food Bazaar in Fairview, browsing Boulevard Hardware in Ridgefield, or studying intently at the Cliffside Park Library, where his brilliance shone. Always the first to lend a hand, John was known for mowing lawns, shoveling snow, offering a listening ear, and sharing wise advice with neighbors and friends. A devout Catholic, John worshiped for the past 18 years at Our Lady of Libera Roman Catholic Church in North Bergen. His faith guided his life of service, generosity, and support of many charitable causes. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert John Skiba. He is survived by his nieces and nephew—Roxanne Louise Skiba, Debra Skiba Gerth, Mary Skiba Huston, John Peter Skiba II, and Valerie Skiba Jerina—as well as several grandnieces, grandnephews, and great-grandnieces and nephews. A graveside interment service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 179 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack, NJ, officiated by Father Dan O’Neil, O.Carm. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Phil Vassa (The Lawn Ranger) for his extraordinary kindness and generosity during this difficult time. His compassion, time, and helping hands have meant more than words can say and will always be remembered with deep appreciation. They also wish to thank Ginny Gianfredi for her thoughtful support, sharing hot coffee and home-cooked meals. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.