John J. Scala, husband, father, grandfather, friend to many, passed away March 19th, 2024 surrounded by family after a brief illness. John was born in Chicago on Dec 20, 1943 to Sam and Marie (Pacente) Scala. John attended Proviso West High School, where he met Pat, the love of his life, and they joyfully married in 1966. After high school, John enrolled at Illinois Institute of Technology, first earning his bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, and then obtaining his master’s degree in Environmental Engineering. He had a successful career in the food industry, where he designed and managed manufacturing plants for numerous corporations.
John loved to travel, was an avid golfer and a talented fisherman. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. He loved music and played the saxophone in a band in his younger years. Most of all, though, John loved his family. He was never happier than with his children, John, Joanne and Joy Marie and his wife, Pat. Eventually, his children married, and he relished his seven grandchildren, sharing with them his time, humor and wisdom. As a Papa, he was adored.
John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia (Dunn) Scala, his children, Dr. John (Dr. Emi) Scala of Denver CO, Joanne (Sean) Biagini of Wheaton, IL and Joy (JJ) Markee of Lake Bluff, IL and grandchildren Marie and Erika Scala, Ava and Will Biagini and Sarah, Adrienne and Charlie Markee, along with special cousin Lana (Gene) Ognibene, and cherished cousin Marlene (Dr. Peter) Senatore, sisters-in-law Geri(Mike) DeMuro, Carolyn Dunn and brother-in-law John (Michael Fields) Dunn. While John’s illness was sudden and brief, he had a wonderful life and was well-loved. He will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in John’s name to Catholic Charities (https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/) or the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/).
Friends and family will gather for a visitation for John that will be held on Monday, April 1st, 2024 from 4-8pm at Chapel Hill Gardens Funeral Home, 17W201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. A mass will be held on Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024 at 10am at St. Domitilla Catholic Church, 4940 Washington Street, Hillside, Illinois.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chapelhillgardenswest.com for the Scala family.
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