Philip Karl Skorjanc

As evening arrived on August 14th, 2024, Philip K Skorjanc moved from this world and toward the heavens after an unexpected series of cerebrovascular events. In the following days he was described as a cherished friend, dedicated partner in business, mentor, community pillar, cheerleader, and generally admired and beloved fixture in so many lives. Born October 16, 1962 at Indianapolis to Stephen K and Helen Cash Skorjanc, Phil was the baby in a line of five older siblings.

Throughout life, an ingrained love of learning served Philip well. Beginning with grade school days at Holy Trinity on the city’s near west side, he continued his education at Cardinal Ritter, ultimately graduating from Washington High School. Later, Phil pursued a degree in draftsmanship at Ivy Tech where his innate talent for seeing precision, and keen attention to detail earned him an Associates Degree.

After working in the public sector for a while, Philip took a position with specialty stainless steel fabricator, Mouron & Company. This proved to be a good fit as he learned the business from the ground up, eventually buying out the long held family firm. The company was an Indianapolis fixture, and under Phil’s leadership is now approaching its 100th year in business.

Never one to sit still, Phil took an interest in Real Estate which inspired him to become a licensed Realtor. While continuing full time as Tom Mouron’s right-hand-man, he began a concurrent career alongside local home selling legend MariJo Pennington. Working in this second vocation, Phil sold some of the area’s most beautiful homes. He had a gift of vision for places as well as people, and he combined these into a sort of super power which he used to the benefit of clients looking for the perfect spot. When MariJo retired, Phil joined forces with Jason Plake, and they took the helm as co-owners of The Pennington Line Realtors.

Forever an advocate of “people” Phil took great joy in helping others succeed. He spent countless hours in volunteer roles making a difference and boosting joy in all who he came in contact with. Whether coaching CYO volleyball, mentoring and networking small businesses via his unwavering support of the Indy Rainbow Chamber, or throwing together a gathering of neighbors around a bonfire during the isolating shutdowns of the recent pandemic, Phil was always finding a larger and more inclusive circle for everyone around him.

Often spotted “holding court” in the lounge area of Murphy’s at Flynn’s on the northside, Phil spent many hours making friends, encouraging and cheering-on  the dreams of those in his proximity, and always being approachable, vibrant, and fun. Many were the recipient of a Phil hug, a pep talk after a rough day, or a square look in the eyes and a sincere, “you can do it, so go do it.”  This was one of many affirmations he gave out freely that was credited for the jump start stalled careers, the banishment of self doubts, and a lot of new spins on life for those in need of a change.

Perhaps one of his biggest passions in helping others was his work with the Indy Bag Ladies. The legendary group, founded long before social services entities were of help, was at the leading edge serving and aiding the HIV at-risk population in central Indiana. By raising funds, doing outreach, and extending a hand to so many who were suffering, the group led the way in helping those in need while battling a misunderstood illness. Today, Indy Bag Ladies continue with their bold approach to fundraising based in merriment and have successfully extended their umbrella to include all members of the LGBTQ+ citizenry. As a Bag Lady, Phil had a costume jewelry collection that was unrivaled, a hearty laugh, and the best one-liners delivered anytime the “Ladies” went out on tour.

Although he rarely had pause to speak up when a word of kindness, encouragement, or straight-shooting wisdom was called for, he did have a preferred menu of three often repeated, and sage expressions -- Phil-isms. Many in his orbit were gifted these as needed ~

You know what I’m sayin?

Can’t means WON”T!

The toes you step on today, may be hooked to the ___ you gotta kiss tomorrow ;)

Phil was also legendary for his special and unique signatures and salutations, carefully tailored to reflect the personalities and his relationship with the recipients of greeting cards he sent faithfully for birthdays, Christmas, and other such occasions. Known for his love of a good casino trip, in recent years, there may have been little that brought him more pride or enjoyment than the gorgeous home he made when he purchased his place at the aptly named little enclave of Charmwood in 2018.

After seeing the place, he got to work quickly, making a sincere effort to both meet and to actually know fellow residents. As a result of his all-in enthusiasm and affable and inclusive demeanor, Phil soon found himself referred to as “Mayor of Charmwood.”

Indeed, one of his proudest moments recently was participating in the Midtown Holiday Home Tour. He and partner Ron opened their home to hundreds of ticketed visitors with their home fully festooned and ready for the upcoming season of merriment. Over the course of two days, while beaming with signature Phil and Ron energy, the pair greeted guests and answered hours of questions, advising others how to enjoy life in a century home, where to find amazing antiques, and how to decorate with festive zeal and warmth.

As a testament to his loving reach, since that fated August evening, as the sad word spread of Phil’s passing, hundreds of tributes have been posted on the websites of organizations and businesses he impacted, on Facebook and other social media accounts of friends, family members (both biological and those collected and selected in bond), acquaintances, and by the legions of folks who counted Philip Skorjanc as a treasure. 

Philip was preceded in death by his father, Stephen K Skorjanc Jr, mother, Helen Cash Skorjanc, three brothers, Stephen, David, and Daniel, and sister, Tina.

He is survived by his beloved Life Partner, Ron Daugherty, sister, Kathy Skorjanc Young, two nieces, five nephews, four great nieces and nephews, and one very edgy and frequently misunderstood pooch named Victor.

Since Phil often admonished “don’t be bitter!’ in lieu of a funeral, a true celebration is planned beginning at 2pm Saturday, September 28th at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, 418 E 34th Street, Indianapolis.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Usher Funeral Home. Options for memorial contributions forthcoming.

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