He is preceded in death by his wife, the love of his life Rebecca; sister Gloria Balusek; brother Mike Scalise; and sister Mary Baker.
Carl was born January 20, 1926 in Des Moines, IA, where he lived until the age of 15. A first-generation Italian immigrant. His father Frank was born in Italy and migrated by boat to New York in the early 1900’s. Frank met Carl’s mother, Magdalena Labrera also from Italy by way of introduction by his coronet teacher who was his sister, in Brooklyn, New York. They moved to Des Moines, IA where they were married. They had 4 children in Des Moines then moved to McAllen, Tx. In McAllen their 5th child was born and that is also where Carl met and married Rebecca, his wife of 68 years. Rebecca was employed at a store that sold televisions as a counter clerk. He told the story when he entered the store he was awestruck by her big brown eyes, long raven black hair and her red lipstick. He mustarded up the courage to invite her for coffee. This was the budding of their long life together.
Carl served briefly in the Army. He was awarded a scholarship to Columbia University where he studied to be an astrophysicist. Due to poor eyesight since birth, he was unable to complete his studies. Carl went on to become a commercial and residential contractor for many years until he decided to make his passion for cooking Italian food a reality. In 1984 he opened up Mama Mia Pizzeria located on the corner of 1st and Hwy 83 in McAllen, Texas. It was his pride and joy to be celebrating 38 years in business.
Visitation will be Tuesday, August 3, 2021 from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a Holy Rosary at 7:00 pm at Del Angel Funeral Home located at 3611 N. Taylor Rd., Mission, Tx. Church mass will be held on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 1:30 pm at Our Lady of Sorrows located at 1108 W. Hackberry Ave., McAllen, Tx with entombment to follow at 2:30 pm at Roselawn Cemetery and Mausoleum located at 1201 S. Main St., McAllen, Tx.
Carl is survived by his sister Madeline E. Scalise; 6 children Madeline James (Mike); Carl E (Patricia); Linda; Frank; John (Mandy); and Gina. He was known as “Tata” to his grandchildren whom he loved dearly Justin; Heather; Vanessa; Karli; Bianca; Jonathan (Devon); Jacquelyn (Kyle); Beba; Ashley; and Cameryn; great grandchild, Jesse; and several beloved nephews and nieces.
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