Eugene J. Scappatura

Eugene J. Scappatura, 90, passed away Wednesday peacefully at Allied Skilled Nursing Facility after a brief illness. The true love of his life is the former Jane McKenna. They were married Sept. 4, 1954.

Born in North Bay, Ontario, Canada, he was the son of the late Antonio and Elizabeth Mandaro Scappatura. He honorably served his country during World War II in the Army. Gene played semi-pro football in Teaneck for the New Jersey Red then his love of flying brought him to Pennsylvania in 1968. He managed and owned the Schultzville and Forty Fort airports, as well as Scappy Auto Body and Sabre Towing in Long Island, N.Y.

He cherished his family and always strived to keep them close. He loved every sunset and every storm cloud. His greatest joy was sitting on the patio reminiscing about family vacations to Maine and soaring with the eagles. He traveled to Maine for 60 years for hunting trips with his sons and friends. He was the most generous, loving and kind man you could ever meet.

Also surviving are a daughter, Kathleen Dixon and husband, David; two sons, Mark Scappatura and his wife, Marcy, Lake Winola; and Peter Scappatura and his wife, Sue, Dalton; and seven grandchildren, Ryan, Marisa, Rachel, Emily, Kaitlin, Julie and Susan.

He was also preceded in death by a son, Michael Scappatura; grandson, Christopher Dixon; brothers, Dominic, Frank and Vincent; and sisters, Dominica and Franchesa.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday at 10 a.m. from Our Lady of the Abingtons Church, 700 W. Main St., Dalton, PA 18414, with services by the Rev. Arbogaste Santoun, pastor. All those attending are asked to go directly to church. Interment will follow in Abington Hills Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, South Abington Twp., PA 18411.