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William Sklaroff Obituary

Renowned industrial designer William B. Sklaroff passed away peacefully in Devon, Pennsylvania at age 86 on May 7, 2020. He was the loving father, mentor, and gentle friend of three sons who adored him. Born in Camden, New Jersey, he settled on Philadelphia’s Main Line. He was a patriotic U.S. Army Veteran. Founder and owner of William Sklaroff Design Associates, a multi-disciplinary industrial and interior design firm founded in Philadelphia, his passion was contract furniture. A talented and skilled artist who rendered his precise designs by hand, he is best known for his designs for Baker Furniture, Vecta, Howard Miller, Harden, Robert John, Gunlocke and many others. His famed desk accessory lines for Smith Metal Arts were featured on Johnny Carson’s desk, and the sets of Mad Men and Men in Black. Local interiors projects include the Silverstein Pavilion at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the Suburu Headquarters in Cherry Hill. An influential designer, beloved for his positive attitude and intellectual curiosity, he had a wide array of interests. In addition to furniture, his designs included hand-held scanners for Metrologic, World’s Fair Pavilions, industrial products, pens, boats for Pacemaker and Larson, the famed Black and Decker logo, and the Spinneybeck baseball. He was a master of promotion with legendary product showcases at NEOCON in Chicago. Founded on Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square, William Sklaroff Design Associates later moved to Bala Cynwyd and then to Ardmore. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Philadelphia Museum School of Art in 1956 (the Philadelphia College of Art). Bill is survived by his three sons, Nikolai, Stefan, Jan and their mother Gesa Sklaroff. He is also survived by his partner, Margaret Ridall and her family whom he also adored. As avid spiritual travelers, Bill and Marge traveled extensively, hiking Machu Picchu, Sedona, and Mt. Shasta together. He is preceded in death by his parents Abraham and Ethel and brother Ben. Due to the current health emergency, a celebration of life is being planned for later in the year when family and friends can travel again.

Published by Main Line Media News from May 26 to May 31, 2020.
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Memories and Condolences
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I was recently in Ardmore and brought my daughter (Alexandra) to see the office where my dad worked, and my curiosity lead me to find this obituary. I don’t even know where to begin but I will try to start with how sorry I am that I have not seen Bill in over 10 years, my deepest sympathies are with the family. My dad was Alex, he worked with Bill from the time of the GSB building in the 70’s up until shortly before his death in 1996. Growing up I spent a lot of time in the office, I loved it there because everyone seemed like family. I have so many fond memories in the office and at Bill and Gesa’s home. I was, and still am, in awe of the talent that was in William Sklaroff Design Associates. I often see things that I know were part of their work and it makes me proud to have been (what seemed to be like) a small part of that family. Condolences to you all and may you all stay safe and healthy.
-Laura Campolongo Renninger

Laura Campolongo Renninger

Friend

January 21, 2021

I was recently in Ardmore and brought my daughter (Alexandra) to see the office where my dad worked, and my curiosity lead me to find this obituary. I don’t even know where to begin but I will try to start with how sorry I am that I have not seen Bill in over 10 years, my deepest sympathies are with the family. My dad was Alex, he worked with Bill from the time of the GSB building in the 70’s up until shortly before his death in 1996. Growing up I spent a lot of time in the office, I loved it there because everyone seemed like family. I have so many fond memories in the office and at Bill and Gesa’s home. I was, and still am, in awe of the talent that was in William Sklaroff Design Associates. I often see things that I know were part of their work and it makes me proud to have been (what seemed to be like) a small part of that family. Condolences to you all and may you all stay safe and healthy.
-Laura Campolongo Renninger

Laura Campolongo Renninger

Friend

January 21, 2021

I had the pleasure of working with Bill when I co-owned Smith McDonald Corporation, from 2002-2007, and when I stayed on with them afterwards, until 2013. Bill was the consummate professional, and an amazing designer. His Radius One, Radius Two, Arc Metal designs were the showpieces of our line. I’m sad to say that I lost touch with him in 2013, but have fond memories of the many hours spent with him manning our showroom over the years at Neocon. His passing is a great loss to the industrial design profession, but he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and professionalism. My sincere condolences go out to his sons and their families.

Don Sementilli

Friend

November 30, 2020

I had the pleasure of working with Bill when I co-owned Smith McDonald Corporation, from 2002-2007, and when I stayed on with them afterwards, until 2013. Bill was the consummate professional, and an amazing designer. His Radius One, Radius Two, Arc Metal designs were the showpieces of our line. I’m sad to say that I lost touch with him in 2013, but have fond memories of the many hours spent with him manning our showroom over the years at Neocon. His passing is a great loss to the industrial design profession, but he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and professionalism. My sincere condolences go out to his sons and their families.

Don Sementilli

Friend

November 30, 2020

I was honored to work with Bill when I co-owned Smith McDonald corporation, from 2002-2007, and when I stayed on with them afterwards, until 2013. Bill was the consummate professional, and an amazing designer. His Radius One, Radius Two, Arc Metal designs were the showpieces of our line. I’m sad to say that I lost touch with him in 2013, but have fond memories of the many hours spent with him manning our showroom over the years at Neocon. His passing is a great loss to the industrial design profession, but he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and professionalism. My sincere condolences go out to his sons and their families.

Don Sementilli

Friend

November 30, 2020

I’ve only just learned of Mr. Sklaroff’s passing. I had the pleasure of meeting him back in the 70s when I worked as a manufactures representative for Vecta. He was a great man and an incredible designer. Attached please see photos of a Uniplane Desk that I have owned for over 45 years and had totally restored last year. I thought you might enjoy seeing one of his most iconic designs brought back to life. Again, my deepest condolences. (I do not see the photos that I added, so if they do not appear please feel free to email me and I will send them to you.)

Marc Howard

November 30, 2020

I HAVE GREAT MEMORIES OF WILLIAM. I AM NOW LIVING IN THE HORSE BARN, ONE OF THE PROPERTIES HE RESTORED IN PENN VALLEY, PA.
DOLORES RITA SLAKOFF BROWNE, BARCH

DOLORES BROWNE

Classmate

October 3, 2020

Dear Family,

I graduated from PCA in 1982 as an Industrial Designer and worked for a number of years in consulting offices around the country. Returning from California in 1986, I contacted and bothered Bill numerous times for interviews wanting to work for him. He finally hired me even though there was no job available at the time, he gave me an opportunity. I remained a part of our small but powerful office and full time designer at WSDA for four years from 1986-1990 when I left to attend graduate school at Cranbrook Academy of Art and pursue a teaching career.

I want to share my deepest condolences to all of you and your extended family.

I very much loved Bill and know and felt the love he had for me as a mentor. I was blessed to have worked so closely with him and our other colleagues at the office during such a time of growth in my life. He not only taught me a great deal, but shared deep life lessons that I continue to enjoy today. Generous in spirit, teaching, work and life, we did great work together and he enriched many lives including mine.

Thank you for this opportunity to share some thoughts. He will be greatly missed and I will continue to honor his life.

Bless you all.

Love,
Robert

Robert Rabinovitz,
Artist, Designer, Educator, Associate Professor
Parsons School of Design

Robert Rabinovitz

Coworker

August 25, 2020

I am so sad to read this. I worked for Bill in the 1960's, a student right out of Pratt Institute. He was a wonderful designer and menor. I remember his kindless arranging for my wife (married just 1 year) to join me in Uruguay where I was on a 4 month assignment for a trade show. He was concerned that the separation would effect our marriage. Later, when I was drafted, he contacted a friend at Aberdeen Proving Ground which led to my military tenure at that stateside facility. I know he hoped I would rejoin him after the Army but I was young and wanted to "do my thing". My company became quite famous in product design in part thanks to Bill's excellent on the job teaching. Sadly, I only saw him a few time after leaving but often thought of him. Suddenly, today something said I need to contact him again. To late. My wife, Jean, and I send our most sincere and heart felt condolences to his family and Marge.

james wickstead

Coworker

July 13, 2020

I will always treasure the time I spent working with and learning from Bill. During my senior year I had the good fortune to be an Interior Design intern @WSDA and continued to work there for ten years. I learned so much about a very broad range of design and will always appreciate the mentorship that he provided. A bit like a father figure with a kind and nuturing heart, Bill always shared his integrity and passion for design. He will always have a special place is my memories and heart. May he rest in peace.

Sue Silki Hummerston

Coworker

June 1, 2020

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