Mr. Angelo J. Scaccia

UTICA - Mr. Angelo J. Scaccia, age 75, passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 in the dignity of his home after a courageous journey with Parkinson’s Disease. At the time of his passing, his devoted family was by his side. Born in Utica on June 27, 1945, Angelo was the son of the late Angelo and Celia (Stivali) Scaccia. He attended Roscoe Conkling Elementary School and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1963. He married his childhood sweetheart, Marilyn Ann (Bentrovato) Bentro and together they raised three amazing children and were blessed with six grandchildren. Together Angelo and Marilyn credit their commitment and love for one another to the blessings of family life and mutual concern for being the best people they could be for each other. Angelo began his working career as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service. He then transitioned to the position of Clerk; in total he served the community for 36 years. He was old school in his work ethic, and as a Carrier, he was so proud to have met the neighborhood folks on his route who had become his friends. In 2003, he retired, satisfied that he had carried out his responsibilities with accuracy and dependability. During his years with the Post Office, he concurrently operated Angelo Scaccia & Sons Lawn Care Service, a venture he pursued with integrity, pride, and the intention to please his patrons. His final occupation in the workforce was with the Utica City School District as a monitor and with the Food Service Department, up until a year ago. Angelo’s outgoing personality was extended to all, and he lived out his life with a measure of personal pride for jobs well done. As a patriarch, he was a partner in his children’s lives and loved them profoundly. He shared their special times, supported them in their sporting events, and never admired one more than the others. Angelo was an example of what an awesome dad should be, and in retrospect, his kids really credit their dad and mom for their achievements and the fine adults they became. As a Poppie, he loved his grandchildren from the beginning, and he was so happy that he exclaimed they were “the star on top of the tree”, the end all, and the reason that his life was so meaningful. Always having his family by his side was all he wanted, including his littlest boy and bundle of joy, his Bichon Frise canine companion “Jeter” who was always by his side. An avid sports enthusiast, Angelo was animated and knowledgeable about the sport of softball. He worked as an Umpire for Utica MUNY Softball and all softball high school sports events. In the field of football, he played on the gridiron in high school and rooted for the Oakland Raiders for years later. He was also a fan of the NY Yankees and the Montreal Canadiens. God only knows how he accomplished participating in all those events over the years. In 2005, Angelo was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, and as the affliction progressed, his smile, spirit, ability to care for himself, and complete a thought digressed until the end stages. Even though he was a strong man and fought fiercely, with Marilyn and his daughter and sons by his side, he was physically unable to be independent. His wife said “I can’t fight this disease by myself; you have to help me!” Not one to be daunted by this disease, Angelo exhausted every medication and therapy, until recently. He struggled in so many ways, but he was comforted by his wife and children who intimately and relentlessly cared for him, yet for all their efforts, they could not prevail. For any family that has cared for a loved one with Parkinson’s, this story sadly rings true. Angelo is survived by his devoted and cherished wife, Marilyn; children, Michele Ann (his first born) and her husband John Brennan, Michael A. and Amy (Appler) Scaccia, Christopher M. Scaccia, and Giovanni Scaccia who Angelo loved and respected as his own son. He was Poppie to his grandchildren, Kayla Brennan, Alyssa Brennan/RN, and John Michael Brennan; Michael W. Scaccia, Sydney E. Scaccia, and Alexis Scaccia; and the many friendships that have enriched his life. He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Michael A. and Maryann (Bentrovato) Bentro. The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Scott Brehaut for his medical efforts and empathy. In today’s world, it is such an extraordinary gift to find a physician that walks the journey with a patient and their family with trust and compassion. That gift was given to Angelo and the Scaccia family by Dr. Scott Brehaut who networked and supported with such passion for Angelo’s needs. Marilyn was Dr. Brehaut’s second concern, always having an open line of communication for her and her family. His steady practices and values were impeccable and his persistence allowed Angelo to both live and pass away with the greatest of dignity. While at home, Angelo’s granddaughter, Alyssa, who is a Registered Nurse, cared for her Poppie with such meaning and purpose; her loving awareness was her lasting gift to him; and to his remarkable family members who did their best to care for Angelo, from his wife for her devotion, to his daughter who stood by his side at home, to his sons who were wonderful, and his grandchildren who showered Poppie with such love, a gift in their own unique way that lifted his spirits when they were at his side. The last few weeks of Angelo’s life were made more comfortable by the staff of the Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., for which the Scaccia family is so grateful. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Angelo’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial which will commence on Monday at 12:00 noon at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Social distancing, registration for contact tracing, and a mask covering your nose and mouth will be required. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. online at https://hospicecareinc.org/donate-online/ or the Parkinson’s Foundation online at https://www.parkinson.org. Envelopes will be available at the service. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Angelo’s family through the “Memories” section of his obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.

Mr. Angelo J. Scaccia

June 27, 1945 - December 8, 2020