Obituary

Howard “Howie” Lawrence Skolnik, 81, passed away on January 21, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada; beloved husband of the late Gail Skolnik, with whom he shared 45 wonderful years of marriage. He was a devoted and loving father to Stacey (the late Ben) Lazer, Jeff Skolnik, and Rachael (Dave) Bonaiuto; cherished grandpa (Papa) to Joey, Gabrielle, Jazmyne, and Samantha Lazer; Jack, Charlie, and Sadie Skolnik; and Rafael and Anya Bonaiuto; a much-loved brother of David Skolnik, the late Chet Skolnik, and the late Paula Skolnik Goddard; and a dear friend to many. Howard was a deeply work-focused and driven individual, dedicating 45 years of service to the Ohio, Illinois, and Nevada Departments of Corrections, proudly retiring in the position of Director. Even after officially retiring, Howard never truly stopped working in Corrections, beginning a second stage of his career as a corrections consultant, staying active and engaged in the field. An avid runner, Howard completed several full and half marathons over the years. He and his beloved Gail remained socially active within their community, enjoying art festivals and spending treasured time in Colorado. After Gail’s passing, Howard continued volunteering with Meals on Wheels, staying connected with friends and neighbors, and delighting in any opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren. Howard was passionate about his profession and authored several articles, as well as a self-published autobiography focused on the prison system. Above all else, his greatest joy came from spending time with Gail, who meant the world to him. Memorial donations in his honor may be made to: American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/donate or Meals on Wheels America, www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/donate Chapel service, Thursday, January 29, 2026; 2:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois. Interment to follow at Shalom Memorial Park. For the link to view the service, shiva information and to leave condolences: www.shalommemorial.or or (847) 255-3520.

Service Information

Service : Thursday, January 29th at 2:30 pm
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service -Shalom Memorial Funeral Home

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights

Guest Book & Memories

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June 5th, 2026

Today I found out that Director Howard Skolnik died in January. I cannot tel you how hard this hits. I talked to him a few days before he passed and told Chris that he didn’t sound like himself. I have called him a number of times with no answer but Howard was always on the move. I met Howard the day he showed up as a PI consultant and Ron Angelone, Howard And I had many great adventures!! I was often criticized for micro-managing as the Director of Prisons, which I accept, but never with Howard as Assistant Director. He was talented, funny, and dedicated. I wish I had been there to pass on some of our best memories. I like to think he is with Gail now, the love of his life! I will miss our calls and remember him fondly. Rest in peace Howard.

~Bob Bayer
~Friend/coworker, Reno, Nevada

March 10th, 2026

Howard and I were in the 1995 class of Leadership Las Vegas through the Chamber of Commerce. He and Gail and I maintained a friendship all those years. He was passionate about his work. If you were his friend it was a friend for life. His friends felt the same way. He, his smile and kind words are deeply missed.

~Debbie Primack
~Friend, Henderson NV

February 18th, 2026

Great person

~Carl Schusterman
~High School friend, Cleve. OH

February 10th, 2026

We were sad to learn that Howard died. We knew him and his wife for over 10 years, through the Friends and Newcomers Social Club in the Boulder, CO area. We always enjoyed his company. He had a pleasant manner, a good sense of humor and good stories. We will miss him.

~Beth and Jerry McQuie
~friend, Broomfield

January 29th, 2026

Howard was a very unique person. I only knew him for 5 years. He was always ready to help when needed. Loved his interesting stories. He will be greatly missed and also remembered.

~Cindy pergola
~Neighbor and friend, Las vegas,nv

January 29th, 2026

The wink and the constant smile. We love Howard and we will truly miss him

~Larry Singer and Marilyn Singr
~Dearest Friends, Las Vegas, NV

January 29th, 2026

Howard (and Gail) were very good friends. Barbara and I did a lot of things with them, including a 2 week trip to Italy..
We will miss him and send heartfelt condolences to his family.

~John H Vogt
~friend, Broomfield, CO

January 27th, 2026

Howard and Gail were the best neighbors ever. So very helpful and caring. I can’t name all the ways Howard helped me. They both meant so much to me, and will be so missed!

~Jackie Bauer
~Neighbor and friend, Las Vegas, Nv

January 26th, 2026

Howard was like my father away from home, as was Gail in her home away from home mom role. When I first moved to Las Vegas, I knew no one., but they both welcomed me into their home and I considered them a part of my family.
The love and respect I have for them and Rachael’s family is endless.
Be at peace, dear Howie, and give Gail the biggest hug ever from me please.
You made a difference in my life❤️

~tracy and Roland paz
~friend, las Vegas nv

Guest Book and Memories











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