George Skintges

We are very saddened to announce the death of Mr. George James Skintges on Thursday, August 6th 2026. George passed in his Chicago home with his “always” loving wife, of almost 65 years, Melody by his side.

George was born on August 2nd 1940, son of the late John and Georgiana (Arnos) Skintges. In addition to his parents George was preceded in death by his older brother Stephan.

George was born in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago, attended Hyde Park H.S. for two years, his family then moved to the Austin neighborhood of Chicago, where he graduated from Austin High School H.S. He compared these schools by saying ~ Hyde Park H.S. was like being in the movie Fame, but Austin high was more like being in the movie Grease, which he preferred, maybe because that is where he met Melody, whom he married on 11/25/1961. He went on to complete two years of college at U of I at Navy Pier and then began working at his fathers' restaurant at the Lincoln hotel in Old Town. After his father passed, he began his career in construction, specifically driving a Redi-Mix truck. George and Melody lived in the Austin neighborhood eventually moving to Oak Park where they resided for 33 years and, being true Chicagoans, they moved back to the city in 2004.

George leaves behind his daughter Jill (John Martinez) and granddaughter Ruby with whom he conducted many late nights filled with scintillating conversations; they were the light of his life. We are truly thankful for all of the family and friends, both local and non-local, who had come to visit many times with George before his passing. He was happy to see every single one of them. Georges' loving sister Elaine (Bruce), his in-laws, Nancy (Mike) and Micheal (Cindy), the Neurock family, and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and long-time friends, both human and furry. George had a great relationship with both sides of his family and truly loved them all.

George was a kind man with a good sense of humor and comfortable in any situation. He thrived on a good debate and could speak on any subject matter that arose, whether you liked it or not, being true to his Greek heritage. Whether hanging out on the corner in his old neighborhood; boating on the lakefront with Mike; driving his vintage Redi-Mix truck at work; watching ballet at the theater; gambling at the pool hall, at the race track, on the stock market, and at the many all-night card games at home, he made many good friends, a few whom he spoke with endlessly on the phone until the end.

We all will dearly miss his presence.

In celebration of Georges’ time on this earth an open house Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday October 17th, 2026 from 4pm-? For detailed information, please contact Melody or Jill. 

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, IL