John R. Skoner

SKONER – John R., DMD, MDS, 58, Dunlo, died August 7, 2023. Born October 3, 1964, in Johnstown, son of Helen (Kovalich) and the late Peter “Ray” Skoner Sr.

Survived by mother, Helen Skoner; sister, Barbara, wife of Michael Kissell; brothers, Dr. David Skoner, married to Janet (Hudak) and Dr. Peter Skoner Jr., married to Diane (Soohy); beloved nieces and nephews, Brianne Leone (Stew) and Bradley Waters (Toni); Jessica Bolton (John), Alison Skoner-Troese, Dr. Jonathan Skoner (Christina), Amanda Sforza (Joe), and Julianne Skoner (fiancé Alex Guerriero); Katie Mehall (Jonas), Dr. Kellie Harris (Matthew), and Dr. Matthew Skoner (Kelly); and great nieces and nephews, Tanner and Alivia Leone; Anthony, Zachary, Madison, Mackenzie, and Maxwell Bolton; Charlotte Troese; and Serena Sforza; Noah, William, and Emma Mehall; Charlie Harris; and Hannah Skoner.

John graduated with honors from Forest Hills High School in 1982. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology/chemistry/pre-medicine from Juniata College in 1986. He attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, graduating in 1990. As there were no endodontists in the Johnstown area at the time, he decided to specialize in endodontics so that he could offer this specialty care. He completed his endodontic residency in 1993. Additionally, he earned a master’s degree in dental science from the University of Pittsburgh in 1994. In January of 1994, John opened his practice named Johnstown Endodontics. Wanting to continue his education, Dr. Skoner started the board certification process in 1996. He passed a written examination, a portfolio review of 20 cases he treated in his office, and an oral examination in Chicago to become Board Certified in 1999. He became only the 1,122nd endodontist (out of more than 5,000 in the country) to become Board Certified since the American Board of Endodontics was established in 1956. He authored three clinical articles that have been published in the Journal of Endodontics. He has also made numerous presentations, including ones at the annual meetings of both the American Association of Endodontists and the Ohio Association of Endodontists. Along with his private practice, he also taught in the endodontic clinic at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, enjoying his role as a Clinical Assistant Professor, assisting in the training of endodontists and dental students from all over the world. Being an educator at the university allowed him to interact with other specialties and stay abreast of new developments and technologies in the ever-changing field of endodontics. Through his continuing education and academic pursuits, Dr. Skoner strived daily to provide the best endodontic treatment care to his patients and to the Greater Johnstown area.

Honoring his wishes, there will be a private service for family, and committal at Corpus Christi Cemetery, Dunlo. Arrangements by Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home, Inc., South Fork.

John loved and cherished his parents; his entire family, including siblings, nieces, nephews, and their families; his former and current office colleagues Rose, Terry, Sarah, and Jeanne; his professional endodontic and dental colleagues; his patients; his friends; the local and regional sports teams; the history, heritage, and natural beauty of the Western Pennsylvania region, especially Johnstown and Dunlo; and helping others learn and achieve their dreams and goals.

Accordingly, to maintain John’s dedication and passion to learning, teaching, helping, caring, and healing, his family announces a scholarship fund to assist and prepare future generations of medical professionals. In lieu of flowers for John, please donate to the Skoner Family Pre-Medicine Scholarship Fund. Donations can be made to the Skoner Family Pre-Medicine Scholarship Fund by mailing a check payable to Saint Francis University to Saint Francis University Office of Advancement, 117 Evergreen Drive, P.O. Box 600, Loretto, PA 15940 or online at https://www.francis.edu/makeagift and indicating the gift is for the Skoner Family Pre-Medicine Scholarship Fund.