John Joseph "Joe" Skelly, 63, a resident of Chattanooga, TN, died on Sunday morning, May 29, 2016, following a brief illness.
Joe was born in Houston, Tx., on May 12, 1953, to the late Lawrence and Carole Skelly. He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Chattanooga, and was deeply devoted to his Christian faith. He was a graduate of Brainerd High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from Belhaven University. Joe was also pursuing his master’s degree in business leadership at Belhaven. He was a self-employed contractor and had a gift for working on homes and was always available to help his loved ones with their household projects.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Cathleen Skelly and his nephew, Marshal Allan Lutes II.
He is survived by five brothers, Col. Lawrence Skelly II (Martha), Michael Skelly, Paul Skelly, Keivin Skelly (Melody), Sean Skelly, five sisters, Patricia Lutes, Theresa Kazanowski (David), Denise Wilson (Terry), Joanie Robinson, Mary Clare Jackson (John), 29 nieces and nephews, and 21 grandnieces and nephews. Joe is also survived by numerous extended family, church family, the Belhaven community, and friends.
The family would like to thank the team of providers at Erlanger Neuro-Intensive Care Unit for their excellent care. The family is also grateful for the compassionate associates of Hearth Hospice for helping make it possible for Joe to spend his final moments in the comfort of his sister’s home, surrounded by loving family.
A private memorial mass and interment will be held for family only and a celebration of his life will be held on Friday, June 3, at 5-7:30 p.m. in the Parish Life Center at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chattanooga.
In lieu of flowers, Joe requested donations be made to Ladies of Charity.