Joseph J. Scagliotti

1920 - 2011

ROCHESTER, NH---Joseph J. Scagliotti, 91, a lifelong resident of Rochester, NH, died Friday July 15, 2011 at Watson Fields after a period of failing health.  He was a decorated hero of World War II, a loving and generous father, and a well-known community volunteer.  He had resided in the former family homestead on Logan Street, in Rochester, NH for the last several decades of his life.
            He was born on March 6, 1920 on Winter Street in Gonic NH, the eldest son of Carlo and Giovanna (Rigazio) Scagliotti.  He was a graduate of Rochester High School, class of 1938, where he participated in both football and basketball.  He attended Wentworth Institute in Boston, MA but left college to enlist in the U.S. Army.  He was assigned to Hickham Air Field on the island of Oahu in Hawaii after his basic training and was then assigned to the 11th Bombardment Division.
            After surviving the attack on Pearl Harbor, he saw action on the islands of Midway, Fiji, New Caledonia and Guadalcanal in the Pacific.  His group provided support for all aircraft assigned to the 11th Division.  He was honorably discharged in 1945 having earned the American Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Distinguished Unit Badge.  He was also honored several times for his service at Pearl Harbor being named Rochester's Memorial Day Parade Marshal.
            He went to work for New England Telephone upon his return from military duty and remained with the company until his retirement in 1982.
            Active in numerous community organizations throughout his lifetime, he continued his extensive volunteer work after retirement.  He was involved with The Arts Rochester Group where he spent extensive time volunteering for the restoration of the Rochester Opera House.  He assisted with the Homemakers of Rochester, and he along with his brother Bob, were long time volunteers at the St. Charles Children's Home.  Joe also spent 10 years as the lighting director for The Rochester Music Theater.  The Arts, gardening, and the Boston Red Sox were just a few of his many passions.
            He was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a parishioner of St. Mary's Church in Rochester, NH,  a member of  the Rochester VFW, and a proud member of the NH Chapter of The Pearl Harbor Survivors.
             Joe was a patient, understanding and generous man.  He led by example, based on the manner in which he lived his life.  His house was frequently a refuge for his friends and the friends of his three children.  He never turned away anyone in need of support and encouragement.  His late son, David, told people he had learned to be a good father through watching the way his father lived his life.  Joe loved people, was a gentle and caring man, generous with his love and his time which earned him the nickname of "Papa Joe" to his family and friends.
            He was predeceased by his wife, Mary, who died in 1967, his son, David, who died in 1998, his daughter in-law, Cindy Scagliotti, who died in 2007, and his brother Louis, who died in 1937. 
Members of his family include a son, Thom Scagliotti of Rochester, NH and his companion, Pam Cormier, a daughter, Joan Scagliotti of Portsmouth, NH, his daughter-in-law, Kelly Scagliotti of Ft. Myers, FL, and his two grandchildren,  Sandra, and Kristen Scagliotti of Ft. Myers, FL, a brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Nackey Scagliotti of Glenbrook, NV, and their son Michael, Joe's nephew and godson of San Francisco, CA.
Grondin's funeral home 177 North Main Street in Rochester, NH is in charge of the funeral arrangements and visiting hours will be there on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM.   Services will be held at St. Mary's Church, on Lowell Street in Rochester at 11:00AM on Saturday, July 23, 2011, burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Rochester.
The family requests no flowers please.  Donations can be made in Joe's memory to St. Charles Children's Home, 19 Grant Street, Rochester, NH  03867.
Joe's family would like to thank Dr. John Hopkins and his staff at Watson Fields for their warm and loving care while Joe was a resident there.  They would also like to thank the staff of Beacon Hospice for their care to Joe recently as well as the support offered to all of them during this difficult time.