Richard James Sklenar

Richard J. Sklenar, 76, passed away on September 23, 2022 in Berwyn, Illinois. He was
born on April 30, 1946, the treasured youngest son of Albert and Olive Sklenar. Raised in
Chicago, with his older brother Ronald and sister, Yvonne, Richard and his siblings spent
many of his summers in Grand Junction, Michigan and had many grand adventures on
Saddle Lake.
Soon, he became the much-loved uncle with a wry sense of humor and tremendous fun
to Sue and Kurt Sklenar, Lynn Michko and Lori Legge. Finally, he became a great-uncle to
Dakota (Jacelyn) Legge. The last family event he attended was Dakota and Jacelyn’s
wedding in Detroit, Michigan on May 29, 2022.
Richard attended Chicago Vocational High School (CVS) and DePaul University. At CVS,
he graduated with honors, was the president of the National Honor Society, president of
the Senior Boys’ Council, Cadet Major in R.O.T.C., student council member and winner
of a South Chicago Chamber of Commerce essay contest and the American Legion
“Voice of Democracy” contest. He found his forte when studying civics. Upon
graduation, he attended DePaul University where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in
History.
Prior to attending DePaul University College of Law, Richard voluntarily enlisted in the
Army during the Vietnam conflict. He nobly served our country while stationed in
Thailand. Upon his honorable discharge, he enrolled in the College of Law at DePaul
University and earned his Juris Doctor of Law.
A dear friend to many, once your path crossed with Richard’s, many times one was left
with a great story about movie palaces with theatre organs, Chicago and Marshall Field’s
history or something about trains and railway systems. These were Richard’s well-
known passions; he also appreciated antiquing, going to estate sales, theatre
performances and art.
A scholar in theatre design history, Richard was the retired executive director of the
Theatre Historical Society of America (THS). He served in THS’s heyday infusing the
museum and archives with accessibility, functionality and value. THS, above Classic
Cinemas – York Theatre in Elmhurst, Illinois became a popular destination for long time
and new theatre enthusiasts.
He was instrumental in leading the campaign to save the grand old movie palace, The
Chicago Theatre, and recently, served as a Madison Square Garden Foundation staff
tour guide there. Frequently, he was a sought after tour guide for the Uptown Theatre.
Richard was an esteemed, well-known railway and theatre organ devotee. His loss is
immeasurable and all who knew and loved him are better because of him.

The date for his Celebration of Life has not been finalized. Anyone who wishes to attend, please send an email to rjsklenar46@gmail.com.

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