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In Passing Frank J. Skoff - former USCF President
In Passing Frank J. Skoff - former USCF President In Passing
| In Passing |
| Frank J. Skoff - former USCF President |
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| By Joan DuBois | |
| March 25, 2009 | |
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March 20, 2009: Former USCF president Frank J. Skoff dies at 92 Belated news has reached us about the passing of Frank Joseph Skoff of Palos Hills, Illinois, who died March 3 in Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights, Ill. after a long illness. He was 92. Mr. Skoff was born October 14, 1916 in Joliet, Ill., the son of Croatian and Slovenian immigrants, Joseph and Anna (Cepuran) Skoff, and had lived all his life in Illinois. He taught English at Lakeview High School in Chicago for many years before he retired. Mr. Skoff was president of the Illinois Chess Association in the early 1960s and played a major role in bringing the U.S. Open to Chicago in 1963. An expert player, organizer, administrator and tournament director, he was awarded the title of International Arbiter by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1972. He served as USCF president from 1972 to 1975. He founded the Gompers Park Chess Club in Chicago and directed it for many years. Mr. Skoff had a lifelong interest in chess history and was considered one of this country's leading chess historians. His private library of chess books and magazines was extensive. His regular column, "Frankly Skoffing," in the Illinois Chess Bulletin was a favorite of ICA members and subscribers. His funeral was held March 6 at the Lack & Sons Funeral Home in Hickory Hills, Ill., followed by burial in St. Joseph Cemetery in Joliet. Donations in his memory may be made to MACA's Living Memorial Chess Fund, c/o Robert D. Messenger, MACA Treasurer, 4 Hamlett Drive #12, Nashua, NH 03062-4641. Obituary provided by: George Mirijanian Publications Coordinator, Massachusetts Chess Association Frank J. Skoff - May You Rest in Peace. |