Anthony Emmanuel Scafaro

Anthony Scafaro will be remembered for his intelligence, wit, creativity, thoughtfulness, and kindness. He died in Palm Springs, CA, on August 24, of complications from a staph infection. He was 73 years old.

Anthony grew up in Valley View, Ohio, near Cleveland where he attended Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School and Cuyahoga Heights High School. He received a BA in English from Cleveland State University, after which he put his writing skills to work in a career that culminated as a VP for marketing and communications in the electronics industry in Denver, Colorado.

After retiring, he relocated to Seattle, Washington, where he met the love of his life, Rick Miller. They enjoyed over 22 years together and were officially married in July 2021. Rick and Anthony shared a passion for tennis and were active in the Seattle Tennis Alliance, of which Anthony served as a Board member. He continued to be a devoted tennis and pickleball player after moving to Palm Springs. Together, they traveled the world, immensely enjoying Italy, including the town where Anthony's grandmother was born.

Anthony had a deep interest in architecture and design. When he and Rick relocated to Palm Springs, Anthony designed and oversaw an extensive remodel of their mid-century condominium home. He was also an active member of the Palm Springs Modernism Week organization and served as a lead volunteer during Modernism Week events.

Even though Anthony never worked professionally as a chef, all his friends and family can attest to his extraordinary culinary skills, with a special interest and expertise in Italian cuisine. He ran his kitchen like a professional, creating inspired meals with precision and flair. The dinner parties that he and Rick created were always enjoyable and memorable.

He was also a devoted dog lover and was the proud "Papa" of Bob, Allie, and Donny.

Anthony is survived by his husband, Richard Miller, his sister Sandra Graves (husband Robert), his sister Susan Ferek (husband David), his brother Jeffrey Scafaro (wife Cynthia), as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He is also survived by life-long special friend Thomas Nobbe, and step-mother Joanne Scafaro. He was preceded in death by his father Tony Scafaro, mother Elizabeth Scafaro, brother Gerald Scafaro, and his close friend David Yen.

Celebrations of Life for Anthony Scafaro are being planned by and for his loved ones in Cleveland, Seattle, and Palm Springs, with dates to be determined. Anyone wishing to make a charitable donation in the memory of Anthony Scafaro is encouraged to contribute to The Palm Springs Animal Shelter.