Dr. James J. "Smasher" Skiffey Jr.

Dr. James J. “Smasher” Skiffey Jr., 80, of Niles passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at his residence.
He was born December 27, 1942 in Youngstown, the son of James and Rosalie “Rae” Maletsky Skiffey Sr.
He was a 1960 graduate of Niles McKinley High School where he played football. He attended Clemson University on a full football scholarship from 1960-1963 and graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 1967 with a DDS degree in dentistry. Smasher owned and operated Skiffey Dental Practice at Eastwood Mall in Niles from October 1969 to July 2022.
He was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Niles, one of the original founders of The Italian Amici Club, a member of The American Dental Association, The Ohio Dental Association, and Corydon Palmer Dental Society. Right until his passing he enjoyed vacationing in Naples, Florida, golfing, playing racquetball, and was an award-winning wine maker.
He was a United States Air Force dental officer during the Vietnam War, serving in Alexandria, Louisiana.His wife Patricia Altiero Skiffey, whom he married June 26, 1965, died June 7, 2009.
He will be deeply missed by his son, James J. Skiffey III and his wife Marcella of Howland, by his daughter, Justine Neopolitan and her husband Dr. Michael Neopolitan of Niles, a brother Dr. Robert Skiffey (Laura) of South Carolina, a sister, Merrily Rae Jack of Niles, and five grandchildren: Lauren, Michael, Nicholas, Anna, Eleni(Nick), and by his girlfriend Lea Omerzo.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Maurice Skiffey and Gary Skiffey and two sisters Lana Rae Skiffey and Sandra Fairman.
Friends may call from 5 to 7pm Wednesday at Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles where Mt. Carmel Bereavement Ministry will conduct prayers at 6:30pm.
On Thursday, August 17th, at 9:30am a prayer service will be held at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Niles at 10am, with Fr. Steven Agostino officiating.Burial will follow in Niles City Cemetery where Dr. Skiffey will be honored for his military service.
Arrangements are being handled by Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.
As Doc loved to say, “Heaven is Niles, Ohio in August.”

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