Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

1937 - 2015

BORN

1937

DIED

2015

About

University of Louisville

Don Scaletta Obituary

Scaletta, Don was born on August 16th, 1937 in Cumberland, MD. He was married to his wife Jo Alice for 57 years. Together they raised 5 children. Don is survived by his wife, Jo Scaletta, his brother, Ronald Scaletta, four children, nine grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Don earned a national reputation as a jazz pianist, arranger, and composer which resulted in numerous recording contracts. Two of his albums, were spotlighted in Billboard and Cashbox Magazines. Don toured with the Glen Miller and Charlie Spivak Orchestras and other famous entertainers. Don taught Jazz Improvisation at the University of Louisville and the University of North Florida. He performed at the Walt Disney World Village with many notable musicians. Don entertained on the inaugural cruises of Disney's Magic & Wonder. His recent work included concerts with his 20 piece orchestra, "The Jazz Project". Papa Don will be missed. We look forward to seeing him again soon on a paradise earth. (Ps 37:29 & Rev 21: 3 &4)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orlando Sentinel on May 23, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Don Scaletta

Sponsored by The Orlando Sentinel.

13 Entries

Randy Sherwood

August 19, 2019

Meeting Don and becoming his friend were the highlight of my college years. I was a sophomore at Frostburg State University and Don and I were both music majors at the time (1969). We became good friends, both played in the jazz band, and Don was ever so nice to convince Ace Humbertson to add a second sax player to "The Boss Birds" combo. I worked many weekends playing along side Don and learned an immense amount of music theory without even cracking a book. I am forever indebted to Don for the knowledge and experience he shared. Hated to see him depart the Cumberland area, but he had bigger fish to fry musically and he succeeded in every venture. I really miss him.

Rick Morris

August 17, 2019

I was 24 years old and newly married. I had just moved to Orlando and my wife and I would go to the Lake Buena Vista Lounge, back in the day when it was a treat and not over crowded. Don on Piano....Old Geoge on Stand up and a young Barry on drums.....He would have IRA Sullivan in to play.......One week Buddy Tate on sax.......One week Urbie Green on trombone......Some nights my wife and I were the only ones there late night enjoying the most extraordinary, World class piano player I have ever heard. Don was such a wonderfully talented piano player. He was the Tiger Woods of piano. I will never forget him or the most incredible head shaking music he performed as if he were playing chop Stix. What a master. I loved every minute I ever sat and listened to him. I still listen to his recordings and wonder how the rest of the world missed out on his greatness.

Alex Macbeth

August 11, 2019

Don was my grandfather and I love reading all these people that where touched by his music and life. Gerald I see you may have paintings. Would love to see some and I recently move to Los Angeles area so Im not far!

Jim M

April 6, 2019

Don Scaletta's trio introduced me to jazz with their All in Good Time LP and I've been a lifelong fan of Don and cool jazz. A wonderful and innovative artist, Don Scaletta is special and leaves us all richer from his legacy.

Gerald Upham

March 31, 2019

Great memories listening to Don at the Berry Patch in Sacramento in the 60s. After moving to San Diego surprised to see that he was in concert with Godfrey Cambridge here along with June Christy. Listening to his music right now on Amazon Alexa. While in Sacramento my artist mother was a great fan of his and did a series of paintings of the trio.

Gerald Upham

March 31, 2019

Great memories of hearing him play at the Berry Patch in Sacramento mid-60s. LIstening to his music right now on Amazon Alexa. Moved to San Diego and watched him in concert with Godfrey Cambridge.

Stuart Goldfine

September 15, 2017

Graduated high school with Don at Allegany High in 1955 in Cumberland, Maryland. Don lived next door to my best friend on Gephart Drive. Great pianist.

Dan rodriguez

March 14, 2017

I was one of his few private piano students when he taught at a local community college for about 2 years. His example and instruction were genius. I loved going to the Downtown Disney Village to listen to Him jam with great artists. He will be remembered in the highest respect for his mentoring and example of a real true professional in His field of art.

March 10, 2017

The fabulous Don Scaletta Trio played frequently at the Olympic Village Hotel in Squaw Valley -- Yorks Sauna - I was one of the lucky ones who was able to enjoy their music many times and will never forget the intimacy of that setting. Wonderful music Good people every one

February 13, 2017

Two classics from Don's years in Sacramento in the mid-'60s: "York's Sauna" and "A Taste of Honey":
a) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysAUVvCJjIQ
b)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xXepYVxCgI
Enjoy!
A devoted fan,
Art McGinn

Arne Jerde

January 1, 2016

I heard Don Scaletta play piano with his trio at Mira Loma High School in Sacramento back in 1965. Ted Webber, our school band leader knew him and had him play a small concert for us. Of course I loved his playing and have been a jazz fan of his ever since.
His playing gave me incentive to keep practicing the piano. Although not as talented as him, he was an inspiration to me and I will always remember meeting and hearing him play back then. May God bless Don and his family.

Dixie Kats 1955

Ken McKinney

June 20, 2015

So sad to hear about the loss of our friend, Don. Another of our "Dixie Kat" group that appeared on the Ted Mack show in 1955. There are only two of us left. Time marches on.

Peggy Wade

June 19, 2015

Don Scaletta was the most extraordinary pianist I ever heard. The fact that he played by ear made it more amazing. On top of that he was always a genuine wonderful guy. My warmest sympathies to his wife and family.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results