John F. Scala ’53

ROCHESTER – John “Pete” Scala, 86, of Rochester passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 with his family by his side after a brief illness. Born in Boston, Mass., Pete was the son of the late Michael F. Scala Sr. and Mary Scrima.

He graduated from Spaulding High in 1949, where he met the love of his life, Marion Witham. They shared 62 years of marriage until her passing in 2016.

He graduated from Maine Maritime Academy in 1953. While at MMA, he played football and ran track, captaining the football team his senior year. Upon graduation, he was commissioned in the U.S. Navy, serving three years. Upon discharge, he began his 38 year career with General Electric, with most of those years in Somersworth, N.H. He supervised and managed many of their operations.

Throughout much of the 1960s and 1970s, he served as the executive VP of Scala Enterprises, which included the well-known Scala’s sub shops and the Chuck Wagon catering business.

In his earlier years, he was active in local politics, the Lion’s Club, and Sons of Italy. He served as president of the Rochester Country Club and as commissioner of Parks and Recreation. He coached youth athletics and was involved in various booster organizations.

He spent retirement golfing, skiing, hunting, traveling and attending grandchildren’s events. He and Marion were very involved with Tara Estates activities.

His greatest joy was spending time with family. He loved New England Patriots football!

He was a parishioner at Saint Mary’s Church.

He is survived by his daughter Susan Howard of Rochester; son Peter Scala and wife Emma of New Durham; and son John Scala Jr. and wife Kerry of Rochester. He is also survived by grandchildren Brian Gregoire, Jeff Gilpatrick, Chris, Shane and Jill Howard, Kasey Frisbee, Jaimee and Dominic Scala and great-grandchildren Hannah, Alaura, Blake, Colin, Ronan, Dylan, Brenna, Jaxson and Rylan. He is also survived by a sister Marianne Douglas and husband Richard of Rochester; brother Michael Scala and wife Marie of Wakefield; sister-in-law Thelma Coggio and husband Charlie of Lynn, Mass.; many loving nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends George and Dottie Mucher.

In addition to his parents and wife, Pete was predeceased by his daughter Donna, grandson Tony Gregoire, and granddaughter Ashley Scala.

SERVICES: A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 11 a.m., at Emmanuel Advent Christian Church, Eastern Ave., Rochester, N.H. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at a later date at St. Mary’s Church in Rochester, N.H.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a memorial contribution may send a gift to the Wounded Warriors Project. Arrangements are under the care of the R.M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 South Main St., Rochester N.H., 03867. To sign an online guest book please visit us at www.edgerlyfh.com or find us on Facebook.