Zan Skolnick
March 2, 1933 - December 30, 2017
Zan Skolnick was born in Chicago, IL and lived in Albany Park until age 12. He moved to Hyde Park and graduated from the local high school in 1950. Zan attended University of Illinois-Chicago as well as University of IL-Urbana. While there he acted and wrote a prizewinning musical for Dad's Day Revue. Zan earned a degree in Economics, Theory & Management. Skolnick began his career working for a community newspaper, then copywriter for a mail order house. In 1957, he became manager of Sports PR for UIC, where he had earlier been a member of the tennis team. Zan swears the connection helped him land the job. In short order he was promoted to News Bureau Manager of UIC, which included managing the student newspaper. Over the next few years, Zan became PR Director Chicago Heart Assn., PR/Advertising /speechwriter for Illinois Bell, and finally Marketing/PR Manager for Jewish Federation of Chicago- where Zan developed several national prizewinning videos. Zan returned to familiar stomping grounds at UIC in 1987, where he earned an M.A. in Communications. Although there was no drama department at the time, he focused on playwriting and analysis. Zan had a vital career in communications and public relations. He loyally served twenty-five plus years with Jewish Federation. He retired in 1999 to focus on writing and was awarded several accolades for his plays. Zan was a playwright, tennis player, part-time philosopher and the world's best friend. Zan is survived by his wife Blosson (Millner) whom he married in 1959. He is the loving father of Elyse (Martin) Tish, Gary (Cate) Skolnick, Linda (Richard Schur) Skolnick. Proud grandfather of Henry, Ruth, Ari, Max, and Leia. |