Gregory "Skip" Umel

Gregory "Skip" Umel peacefully left this earth for heaven on January, 10th, 2026. He was born in Bangor, Maine to his father Gerardo Umel from San Fernando, Philippines and to his mother Eva Marie St. Pierre from Van Buren, Maine.

Skip grew up in Bangor with his seven siblings. He was a very gifted musician and vocalist. In his youth he performed in Rock & Roll bands including the "Eccentrics." In later years he played guitar and sang at the 5:00 mass at St. John's Church every Sunday evening. He played guitar and sang in numerous events and festivals. He worked at Bangor Mental Health Institute for 40 years, where he met his wife, Paula. He had great compassion for the patients, and he even used his musical talents to perform for them.

Skip was well loved and admired by so many! He took great pleasure in playing guitar and singing at the weddings of his son, nieces and nephews, as well as providing songs of comfort at family funerals. Aside from his love of music, he always kept himself active and in great physical shape. He loved to ride his bike and also had a black-belt in Karate. Skip taught his own children Karate and would teach kids' Karate classes. He was a very spiritual man, who often enjoyed sitting in nature, watching sunsets, listening to birds, and also spying on eagles with his binoculars. He enjoyed reading, keeping a journal and writing music.

Skip is survived by his loving wife Paula, his son Justin and his wife Olivia, his daughter, Jessica and son, Jacob. He is also survived by his siblings Margaret "Midge" Martin, Dolores "Doe" Fox, George Umel, and Rebecca "Becky" Umel. Skip is survived by a large and wonderful loving group of cousins, nieces and nephews, and lots of extended family members.

He was predeceased by his parents Gerardo "Gerry" Umel and Eva Marie St. Pierre, and his brothers Michael Umel, Gerardo "Gerry" Umel, and James "Stephen" Umel.

Skip loved his children very much. He was a father figure to many people, including children in Paula's home daycare. He was also a grandfather figure to Yarik, Chayak, Kenny and Sumayli. His kindness, tender heart and generosity of spirit are remembered by so many.

There will be a memorial and a celebration of life for Skip later in the summer.