Gabriel M. Scala

Gabriel M. “Fat” Scala, 97, long time Berwick, PA resident, died on Saturday, February 09, 2019 at St. Lukes Hospice House, Bethlehem, PA. He had been residing with his son, Gabe and his wife, Gina, since May 2018. He was born on May 23, 1921 in Berwick, PA; son of the late Sebastiano and Maria Lucia (Cavaliere) Scala.

Gabe was a 1938 graduate of Berwick High School. He worked for his familys restaurant, Scalas Arcadian Grill, the Duplan Silk Mill and the A.C.F. prior to enlisting in the US Coast Guard in 1942. He proudly served as a Seaman 1st Class during WWII in the Asiatic-Pacific area for 14 months. Upon returning home from war, Gabe became a partner, with his two brothers, Michael and Sebastian, in the Scala Brothers Wholesale Beer business until 1981.

Gabe was predeceased by his first wife, Pauline Joan (Zaludek) Scala who died in October 1974. He will be deeply missed by his son, Gabriel J. Scala and his wife, Gina, Bethlehem, PA; grandchildren, Francesca Scala Ross and her husband, Christopher, Whitehall Township, PA; and Alexa Scala, Bethlehem, PA.; and a great grandson, Grayson James Ross. In addition, he is survived by his two furry Havanese friends, Stella and Gizmo. His favorite Havanese friend, Armando, also preceded him in death in 2015.

Gabe was also predeceased by his brother Michael C. Scala, Sr.; his sister Mary Scala DeMelfi; his brother Sebastian “Gege” Scala; and his sister Elizabeth “Babe” Scala Kachurka.



In 1977, Gabe married his second wife Mary Lee (Phares) Melchiorre Scala. He was married to Mary Lee for 41 years until her death in April 2018. Surviving are Mary Lees children, Angela Harmon; Pennie Matash; Mark Melchiorre; Mary Faith Fisher; and James Melchiorre.

Gabe was a long time parishioner of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Berwick, PA, and also served there as a Eucharistic Minister. Gabe was a member of the Maria Assunta Society, the Berwick V.F.W., and a life time member of the West End Fire Co. Gabe had a passion for working in his vegetable garden each summer, and was an avid Duke Blue Devil college basketball fanatic.

“Fat” Scala had an incredible run in life, and was a simple, hardworking man. He did his job. He exhibited a strong love for God, family, and service to his country and others in an unwavering and selfless manner. May he rest in peace.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connell Funeral Home, Bethlehem, PA. Services will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531