Henry Scala

Charlotte - Henry Scala left his family and many friends unexpectedly on October 13, 2015. In spite of the shock and sadness of the moment, it is impossible to remember Henry without smiling, or even laughing about some shared past experience. The good times we had with Henry and his vocal, interesting, and intelligent opinions on everything from politics to Broadway leave an indelible mark on those of us lucky enough to have known him. Henry would have scoffed at this cliché, but he truly will live on with us for many decades and generations to come.

Henry was born in Paterson, NJ to Albert A. Scala and Rae Salvadori. In addition to beloved cousins, nieces and nephews, Henry is survived by Ann Scala, his wife of nearly 60 years. They were best friends who might carp at each one minute and be holding hands the next. Henry and Ann shared a lifelong love and a mutual admiration that was obvious to all. Other survivors are his children Nancy Scala Wilson (husband Chris), George Scala (wife Carol), and Suzanne Scala. His grandchildren, Ben Wilson and Lily Wilson, Ruby (Scala) Grenier (husband Dean), and Vincent and August Scala were more important to him than they may ever know.

Henry attended Georgetown University and Seton Hall. After graduating, he worked in the family textile engraving business in New Jersey. He moved his family to Charlotte in 1971 where he assumed leadership of and grew a thriving fancy food brokerage. Many of the foods now common in our grocery stores Henry helped introduce to the public in the 1970s and 1980s.

Henry loved traveling, good food, good wine, good friends, and his family. He was a great cook and dazzled us all with his red sauce, lasagna, his Bolognese, and his perfect risotto. He was at his happiest standing in his kitchen wearing an apron, opening a bottle of wine, and telling a good story to a table full of people he loved.

Smart and funny, Henry never met a stranger and was a loyal and treasured friend to many. He valued his friends tremendously and lovingly maintained many lifelong friendships.

Henry was a man who felt things strongly and never shied from expressing himself. Though ignorance, injustice, stupidity, and bigotry easily enraged him, Henry was even quicker to laugh at something he’d seen, read or even something silly he had done. In fact, Henry may have been at his funniest when retelling one of his own past foibles.

One of Henry’s most notable traits was his generosity of spirit. His volunteer work with Loaves and Fishes, Morrison Regional Library, and WFAE was deeply important to him.

Henry had many things left to do in life and we think he’d agree that he left us all too soon. We’ll celebrate the light he brought to our lives and delight in fond memories for years to come, but the world really isn’t quite as bright as it was when Henry Scala was with us.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be sent to Loaves and Fishes and WFAE.

A celebration of Henry's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, October 19th, in the Chapel of Harry & Bryant Funeral Home.