John Skinner

John Joseph Skinner, 74, of Manchester NH died peacefully at his home on Monday May 23, 2022 after a short battle with cancer. He was born November 5, 1947 and attended Manchester Schools. John was an electrician following in the footsteps of his father’s family.  After working for commercial electric contractors, he established his own business but was always happiest when he had his tool belt in hand working on a project. 

He was a man of few words who showed his feelings through working for and with those who needed his assistance.  He loved hockey and played on the Manchester Memorial High School team under coach Hubie McDonough and later for a semi-professional team.  Skating, climbing or being on a ladder were never a challenge.  His interest in electronics led him to construct a video projection device in the early 1970’s that projected movies onto a sheet he suspended from the ceiling.  

John loved designing machines, or circuits and pulling strings on real and imaginary devices that included illusions he built and used as an ametuer magician.  John was a master electrician who mentored many young electricians and insisted on maintaining the tradition of sending the apprentice scaling down the scaffolds of a job to find the coffee truck and bring back the coffee orders which needed to be correct. John enjoyed spending time in Barbados and even though he was a certified scuba diver, he loved swimming in the blue waters with a mask and snorkel.  

As a manager and master of his craft, he brokered no shortcuts when it came to doing a job correctly, to code and to the best of one’s ability.  He lived life on his own terms and chose to spend his last days at home with the assistance of Hospice Care.  John is survived by his daughters Anne Thomassen and Kate Prendergast; son-in-laws Bradley Thomassen and Kevin Prendergast, five grandchildren and his devoted cat Pokie. John was preceded in death by his wife Mary Herman on June 3rd 2021. Brittany Nichols, granddaughter of Mary, lived with John and Mary while attending Manchester Memorial High School.  Anne, Kate and Brittany coordinated John’s care during his end of life journey.  

There will be no calling hours and will be private service held in the near future. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations in John’s name to the Manchester Animal shelter, as he always had a love for animals especially cats.

Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, Manchester, is assisting with arrangements.