Mr. John F. Scata

N. UTICA – Mr. John F. Scata, age 69, passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. At the time of his crossing over, his guardian angel, Wanda, was by his side, and he was in the hearts of his family and friends. Born in Utica on February 22, 1955, John was the son of the late John P. and Antoinette (Grassi) Scata. The youngest of his family, he attended Wetmore Elementary School, and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1973. A blessing in his life for over 19 years was the relationship he shared with Wanda Beck Wooden. The two were introduced to each other by a mutual friend, Angel. They became friends at first, then love blossomed. They each held a strong attraction for gardening together. Paramount was their love for their canines whom they treated like children; the dogs knew John’s voice and he was comforted by their companionship. John and Wanda created many memorable times with each other, and their committed relationship filled their hearts and days. John made some of his fondest memories at the family camp on Fish Creek in Blossvale. It was his haven and a wonderful place to entertain family, friends, and neighbors – a place where you could let your hair down and be most relaxed. John and Wanda danced under the moonlight to jazz music and enjoyed the outrageous campfires. Since John had a love of good food, dinners were always plentiful and enjoyed by all. His cooking was second only to his mother Antoinette’s, who always knew how to assemble a masterful meal. Everything he learned in the kitchen, he learned from his mom. A family concern was the operation of the Modernistic Restaurant, which was run by numerous generations. John joined in on the operation in the 1970s. The family all worked side by side and when John became the proprietor, he transformed it into a comfortable neighborhood bar and bistro. It was a great gathering place where everyone knew you by name. The following years, after he concluded his ownership of the legendary Bleecker and St. Anthony Streets location, he was employed by L.B. Security & Investigations, Inc., providing security for different locations and events. John was above all a kind soul, with a great sense of humor. He was gracious, sociable, high-spirited, and had a good rapport with friends and clientele alike. John loved the opening of Walleye Season, an annual event that all who gathered at camp participated in. He was a sports enthusiast, with special love for the NY Mets, the Boston Celtics, and the NY Rangers. He had a team for every season. He was not only fortunate enough to have a wonderful family of his own, but when he met and blended his life with Wanda’s, he was doubly blessed to have an additional family that loved him dearly. John is survived by his beloved Wanda; siblings and their loves, Katherine A. Saggese (the late Ronald Saggese), Barbara and Dominic A. Rossi, and Paul and Lynda Scata; nieces and nephews who he loved and of whom he was so proud, the late Ronald Saggese, Frank and Christine Saggese, John and Debbie Saggese, Christa and Shawn Benjamin, Michael and Linda Saggese, Heidi and Robert Pledger, Mark and Desireé Saggese; Joseph and Louise Rossi, Regina and David DeVito; Danyel and Joel Lieberman, Paul and Carrie Scata, and the late Shaun Scata; great-nieces, great-nephews; and cousins, especially Raymond, and Rich Nicotera, and Mike Zalocha. He also leaves to cherish his memory his extended family, Beverly Beck, Patricia and Kenny Hoch, and Robert and Maggie Beck; Wanda’s children, Starr Raé Wooden and Annie Brelinsky, Joi Reneé and Brodie Coan, and Warren Lathan III and his fiancée Sophanny; as well as Wanda’s grandchildren who knew him as Grandpa John John; lifelong friends, the late Randy Czerw, the late Bobby Graziano, and his brothers Andrew, and Tony Graziano, his right hand man Billy Nunes, Kevin Godkin, “Linda Z” Verdon, David Gigliotti, John Nole, and numerous valued others who he met along the way and will never be forgotten by. The long journey of John’s illness was made more comfortable by the compassion and empathy of the following professionals: Dr. Nils-Tomas McBride; Dr. Atul Butala; his long-time physician, Dr. Samuel Gooldy; the staff at Faxton-St. Luke’s, especially Toni, Alex, and Ken; and the staff at Wynn Hospital, especially the 8th floor whose comfort and care was outstanding ~ Wanda could not be more appreciative. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend John’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. John F. Scata

February 22, 1955 - August 13, 2024