David Sklan

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Brother and Uncle, David Sklan, on October 13, 2025, in Indianapolis Indiana. A lifelong Chicago Cub fan and Bulls fan he was able to watch his beloved teams win 7 championships in his lifetime.

He was born in Chicago on January 4, 1958, to the late Robert and Zelda (nee Lansman) Sklan. He is survived by his brothers Mark Sklan (Laura Caghan) of Huntington Beach, CA and Alan Sklan (Dassi) of Greensboro, NC; his sister Anat Tisch (Robert), of Evanston, IL; and seven nieces and nephews.

David accomplished so much in his life after suffering catastrophic brain injury in December of 1974.

After being unconscious for 3 months David had to learn to eat, breathe, talk, use his left hand as he was paralyzed on his right side (he was right handed) and walk again. With the help of his father Robert Sklan and his mother Zelda Sklan, David reached basic skills of these milestones over the next years at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. His progress was aided a great deal after he moved to New Hope Rehabilitation of Indiana in 1980. There he increased his mobility, speech and cognitive skills. He was able to walk with a quad cane, and move safely into and out of vehicles for outings.

He participated in writing articles for New Hope publication, working at supportive work sites, and developed his interpersonal skills in therapy. He developed friendships and relationships with residents and staff. He was able to improve his self care where he was able to move out of the hospital aspect of his development into independent living apartments where he was able to dress himself, feed himself, get into and out of bed himself. He truly loved attending art therapy, music therapy, and writing skill workshops.

In addition to New Hope, Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation went above and beyond in sharing and including David in their religious life. He was able to travel to the Temple using Indy Go to attend Services, Torah Study, and the choir. The Temple strove to add personal friendships to David. I am not sure who got more out of this.

David accomplished these things himself. Yes, he had help but His tenacity, perseverance and positive attitude was in his spirit and life force. He tried to do everything that was asked of him. Yes, he was frustrated, angered and felt held back, but he was able to overcome these feelings and get back to progress.

Have a corned beef sandwich or a Lou Malnati’s pizza in David’s memory.

For Donations in David’s name please consider: 

Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation Foundation

6501 N Meridian St

Indianapolis IN 46230

or New Hope of Indiana

8450 N Payne Rd. Suite 300

Indianapolis IN 46268.