Ivo “John” Skilj— a mentor to many and a friend to all— died at home on January 4th 2022, surrounded by his family in Campbell California at the age of 81.
Born to parents Gajo Skilj and Pave Ban, Ivo was born and raised in the beautiful mountains of the Croatian countryside in Konavle with his three brothers, Pero “Peter” , Niko “Nino”, Vlajo and youngest sister Nikolina, in his family’s generational home that still stands to this day. Ivo lived through many political struggles that struck his small village, and was forced to join the army as all young men were. Saved from combat due to a lack of firearms, he was made the general’s personal driver, and after service used those skills to escape communist rule by crossing the adriatic sea in a small stolen row boat.
At 23 Ivo traveled to France and worked in a steel production line until finding a sponsor, which would fund his immigration to America and allow him to start a new life here.
In America Ivo both worked hard and played hard. He met his wife Adelina Osuna at a party, and charmed her by being the first man to not be intimidated by her beauty and asked her to dance. Since they could not speak
each other’s native languages— Adelina had recently immigrated from Mexico— the two spoke in broken English for the majority of their courtship until marrying and eventually both becoming fluent. The young couple chose Santa Clara as their home, and spent the years working hard to achieve their dreams of family and community. They would eventually sponsor many more friends and family members to immigrate to America as well. Their home was a refuge for all, and there was always an open seat and a full wine glass for anyone who wanted to come by.
Ivo proudly worked as a GM Motor’s lineman in Fremont for many years until his retirement, providing for two daughters, Paulina and Sylvia, and eventually four grandchildren, Madison, Haley, Sophia, and Steven.
The family would like to thank the Vitas hospice service for their attentive care and immensely helpful amenities during Ivo’s final weeks, as well as the Lima Family Mortuary for their service and empathy for the family. A private family service will be held at Mission Santa Clara Cemetery on January 13th due to Covid restrictions, but a celebration of life will be held in the coming future.

We had so many memories for John and Lena & their families.  Always had smiling and laughing, John.  It was too early to pass away John. We know now that God is having John into his journey to heaven.