Waldimero Coscarelli

Waldimero (“Wally”) Coscarelli, 93 of Fredericksburg, Virginia passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2020. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was the second of three children and a first generation American born to the late Attilio and Angelina Coscarelli. Wally graduated in 1944 with his high school diploma from Boys High School in Brooklyn, New York. He received his Bachelor of Science from Wagner Lutheran College in Staten Island, New York in 1956. Wally enjoyed playing 2nd baseman for the Windsor Cubs in Prospect Park, New York.

Wally was proud to serve our country as an infantryman in the Army during World War II. He received the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Army of Occupation Medal and World War II Victory Medal. Wally was honorably discharged in August 1946.

Wally is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Regina; his three children Richard (Mary Ann) Coscarelli, William Coscarelli, and Christine (Thomas) Capshew, 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family.

Wally’s employment career began at Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, New Jersey where he worked on the transatlantic pipeline while earning his Doctorate in Microbiology in 1962 from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He was then hired by Shulton Inc. the makers of Old Spice in Clifton, New Jersey as the Director of Regulatory Affairs. Shulton was purchased by American Cyanamid and he was named the Director of Professional and Research Services until his retirement. He was a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists and a member of the American Society of Microbiology where he received special recognition for his service from 1970 – 1973. Wally was published in various professional journals for research in agricultural microbiology early in his career.

After moving from Basking Ridge, New Jersey, he and his wife spent their retirement years between homes in Longboat Key, Florida and Wilmington, North Carolina. Wally spent many hours on the tennis court and golf course. He was an avid reader and devoted New York Yankees baseball fan. He enjoyed volunteering as a Master Gardener and was an active member of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Center. Wally was named Master Gardener of the year in December 2003 by the Master Gardener Association of Somerset/Hunterdon Counties and Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

Wally’s love of life was contagious. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends, often welcoming them into his home for an afternoon of fun and fellowship. Wally could often be found touring people through his extensive garden or grilling. Among his favorites were marinated chicken, cheese and parsley sausage and steak.

The legacy Wally leaves behind is one of a peacemaker. He lived his values, supplying love and compassion for all those he met. Wally always saw the best in people. His positive attitude and kind, loving presence as well as his sense of humor are among the qualities that he will be remembered for.

Online condolences may be posted at www.mullinsthompsonfredericksburg.com