IN MEMORIUM

Charles Philip Skardon

August 11, 1926 - May 18, 2010

Philip was born in Cleveland and after graduating from Springfield High School, he entered Yale University in July 1944 before being drafted into the United States Army after his freshman year. He served in the 24th Infantry Division from March 1945 through December 1946. He returned to Yale after World War II and graduated with honors in 1949. After graduation, Philip worked in New York City for the National Committee for a Free Europe, the parent organization for Radio Free Europe. He subsequently moved to Washington, D. C. in 1953 where he worked for the Central Intelligence Agency as a political analyst concentrating on Central and European affairs.

Philip left the CIA in 1957, returning to Ohio to work as a reporter at the Dayton Daily News, where he remained until leaving to become a management consultant specializing in labor affairs. Philip was the former chairman of the Festival USA Committee of the Dayton-Montgomery County Bicentennial Commission of 1976 and was active for a number of years in the Dayton Council of World Affairs, the Criterion club and Christ Episcopal Church.

Philip was an avid squash player who continued to play regularly until after his 81st birthday. He became the "patriarch" of the Dayton Squash Center and was a great ambassador for the game. He was always willing to get on court with players of any ability and "have a hit."  Many new players to the game enjoyed his gentle instruction and encouragement. Philip helped revive the Collopy Cup, annual squash team matches between Dayton & Cincinnati and served as captain of the Dayton team.

Philip is survived by his wife of 44 years, Catherine; his four sons Johnathan (Amy) of Dayton, Oh.; Christopher (Lydia) of Charlotte, N.C.; Stephen (Ann) of Chicago, Il.; Graham of Atlanta, Ga. and six grandchildren: Katherine, Emily, Peter, James, Lindsey, and Sanderson.

A Memorial Service was held Saturday, May 22nd at Christ Episcopal Church, 20 West First Street, Dayton , Ohio 45402. Contributions can be made in Philip's memory to Christ Episcopal Church or to the Miami Valley Squash foundation, care of the Dayton Squash Center, 3200 West Tech Rd. Miamisburg, Ohio 45342.

"Sir Phil" as we lovingly called him will be deeply missed.

(Source: Dayton Daily News)