Philip M. Skoblikoff

Philip M. Skoblikoff, 90, of Rockford, passed peacefully on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at Swedish American Hospital with his eldest daughter by his side after battling Parkinson's Disease for over 30 years. Born January 24, 1926, at his home in Chicago; the son of Philip and Elizabeth (Zaborowski) Skoblikoff. Married the love of his life, Geraldine Grabo, on May 25, 1952.

He was predeceased by his parents, Geri, his wife of over 57 years (December 24, 2009), a daughter, DebraSusan (1974), two sisters, Geraldine Moroz and Delores Derer and his brother Fred Skoblikoff. Survivors include a son, Philip I. (Jenny) Skoblikoff of TX; daughters, Lisa (Jeffrey) Carlson of IL; Donna Guptail of FL; and Lynn (Scott) Mueller of WI. Eight grandchildren: Theresa (Michael) Sundstrom, Amanda (Anthony) Christofalos, PJ Guptail, Pamela (Clifton) Gardiner, Paul Guptail, Peter Guptail, Emerson Mueller, and step-granddaughter, Meghan Shroeman. Twelve great grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Graduate of Steinmetz High School, January 1947, Illinois School of Machine Shop Inspection and Vogue School of Beauty Culture, June 1948. Attended Wright Junior College and completed specialized management and human relations coursework at the University of Illinois.

Philip had success in many entrepreneurial endeavors including the automotive, beverage, jewelry and printing industries. He worked in industrial, commercial and decorative lighting manufacturing. He was a journeyman plumber, Chicago local 130, from 1969 to 1998. He enjoyed the challenge of retrofitting new plumbing into many renovations of buildings in Old Town, New Town and Wrigleyville.

Honorably discharged WWII Veteran, Army Combat Infantry 27th Division, Bandsman, 3 Overseas Service Bars, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Bronze Battle Star, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Ribbon Japan. His military service remained an important part of the man he was throughout his life. He had a profound sense of honor and duty to God, his family and our country.

Philip lived in Chicago, Tucson AZ, Leyden Township, Aiken SC, and Hoffman Estates where he was Scoutmaster of Troop 198 with many of his Scouts earning the rank of Eagle. He lived in East Dundee IL for 28 years, restoring an historic Haegar Mansion from a condemned state to its stately glory.

Philip loved his family. Hosting holiday parties, cookouts and pool parties. He was all about the kids. He liked camping and traveling with friends and family. He enjoyed gardening and working in the yard. Hobbies included golfing when he could and watching when he could no longer play. Math wiz. History buff. Cowboy movie connoisseur. Bear fan. Cub fan. Beer man. He developed a keen interest in photography and built an elaborate dark room in his Dundee home in in order to print pictures from a collection of negatives he acquired. He wanted to preserve these pictures which included historic events and depiction of life in the United States in the early to mid 1900's.

He was passionate about using his assets to help his friends and family. He was everybody's go to guy when help was needed. If it broke he could fix it. His door was always open if you needed a meal or a place to stay. He had a unique sense of humor. He was a tenacious pillar of strength and he rooted for the underdog. If you were in need or in trouble he would lend support in every way he could.

He always found a way to enjoy life even as his disease debilitated him. He listened to music of the Big Band Era and Classical Masterpieces. He liked watching birds and squirrels. When he could eat, it was all about the menu, savoring every bite. When he could no longer eat it was about taking rides and being outside in the gazebo, trips around the block in his wheelchair, and soaking up sun in the driveway. Trips to the forest preserve, community events or even doctor appointments were special. To Philip life is Precious as is he to the many lives he touched. He lives forever in our hearts.

For enabling Philip to stay at home in Rockford we are thankful to all of the home health care staff who provided services for the past 12 years and gratefully acknowledge:
Dr. Brian Boe for patience, kindness, incredible skills and resources.

Dave Cramer, Teri Baxter and Heather McDaniel for dedication in providing exceptional specialized care enriching his life when he needed so much help.

Saint Rita's Catholic Parish Home Bound Ministry for spiritual enhancement providing communion and prayer to Philip and Geri for over 10 years.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108.