Joseph Victor Scalzo

Joseph Victor Scalzo, age 76, passed away on June 8, 2025, from extended complications following emergency heart bypass surgery.

Born on February 13, 1949, in Danbury, Connecticut, Joe was the son of the late Angelo P. Scalzo and Kathryn (Rotunda) Scalzo. He graduated from Danbury High School and went on to earn his degree from Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York.

Joe began his career as an actor in Danbury before moving to New York City, where he became a founding member of the Actor's Institute. A working actor, acting coach, and seminar leader, Joe later chose to relocate to Roxbury and, eventually, Washington, Connecticut, to raise his children. There, he pursued real estate before embarking on a 20-year career as a management consultant. In that role, he traveled extensively, living in remarkable places such as Alaska, Scotland, China, Brazil, and Australia-but his heart always remained in his favorite town, Washington.

Joe had recently retired and was enjoying life with his husband, Gary, and their beloved cats, tending their beautiful garden. A talented singer and actor, he loved going to the theater and seeing live shows and films. He was an avid reader, writer, biker, lover of the outdoors, and world traveler-but above all, he was a loving and dedicated husband, father, and grandparent.

He is survived by his husband of eight years, Gary Gardner; his daughter, Kathryn Scalzo Jones of Andover, New Hampshire, and her partner, Dan Burmester; his son, Joseph Scalzo of Morris, Connecticut, and his wife, Aleksandra; and his four cherished grandchildren: Leo and Griffin Jones, and Joseph and Lucas Scalzo. He also leaves behind his brother, Angelo Scalzo, and his many nieces and nephews.

Joe was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, Michael Scalzo and Salvatore Scalzo.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Washington, 6 Kirby Road, Washington, Connecticut.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joe's memory to the Steep Rock Association, a nationally accredited land trust in Washington, whose mission reflects Joe's love of nature and community. Donations can be made at: https://steeprockassoc.org/donate/