Funeral Details

Elya (later, Aleksey) Skop was born on August 6th, 1929 in Zhytomyr (USSR). His childhood was full of tribulations - Holodomor, unfairly imprisoned father that was never the same after parole, difficult evacuation during the Holocaust - when he had to grow up quickly at the age of 12 to save his family from starvation. Despite the difficulties with education during and after the war, he always sought out every opportunity to learn and better himself.

Throughout his life, mastered a wide variety of fields - from furniture construction, electronics, military radiolocation for planes. During Aleksey’s service in the army and with two small children completed a masters degree in radio electronics with distinction, and was able to develop several innovative ideas. He was a creative individual with a lot of interest in understanding the novel and the unusual - from politics to alternative methods of healing. Aleksey was successful in any field he approached - growing his career, managing teams, was beloved and greatly respected by his subordinates.

Besides his serious approach to work, Aleksey had many passions - ballroom dancing, building television sets, construction, sewing, cooking. The most important element of his life was his love for his wife, Bronislava, with whom he spent nearly 70 years. Bronya was his partner in crime and moral support - they created a uniquely happy family, communicating a tradition of mutual love and respect to the children - son, Boris (Natasha) Skop, and daughter, Helen (Yaroslav) Skop.

Aleksey moved to the U.S. (New York, 1994) at the age of 65. Here, he redirected all of his energy towards continuing education - learning English, how to use the computer and the internet, and spent a lot of time helping his friends and family. To be close to his daughter and his granddaughters, he and his wife moved to Chicago in 2005.

In Chicago, he began to develop his passion for fishing, with expanded opportunities in the lakes and rivers of the Midwest. With his typical scientific approach, Aleksey meticulously prepared every aspect of the fishing experience. The first (and much anticipated) fishing trip of the 2024 season turned out to be fatal for him. On April 30th, 2024, he went to the local lake in Glenview and after an incident was lucky to have wonderful humans next to him to provide immediate first aid. His powerful body fought for life for 12 more days... but unfortunately, that was the last fight of his unusual life!

Brilliant mind, exceptional standards for himself, and humility - are an example for all 4 of Aleksey’s grandchildren - Aleksandr, Alice, Daria, and Max. The bright light of his identity will not fade in the hearts of his family and those who were fortunate to be his close friends and acquaintances throughout his life. Elya, Aleksey, Lesha, you’re always with us...

Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com Service Tuesday 2PM Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd (at Niles Center Road), Skokie. Interment at Memorial Park Cemetery.