Obituary published on Legacy.com by Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home on Oct. 1, 2025.
Richard P. Scanlon, Sr., "Dick"/Pop, age 90, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025, in West Haven, Connecticut. Born on October 9, 1934, in
Stamford, Connecticut, he lived a full and spirited life marked by generosity, humor, and an unwavering devotion to family.
Dick proudly served his country in the United States Army in Korea. His time in service reflected the values he carried throughout his life-loyalty, discipline, and a deep respect for others. These same values were instilled in his children and evident in the way he treated everyone around him.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Bette Scanlon in 1991. Together they raised three children: Richard Scanlon, Jr., Mark Scanlon, and Susan Scanlon-Hicks. Dick was immensely proud of them-not only for their accomplishments but for the people they became. Though he often joked that he could only play the radio, he took great pride in their musical talents.
Dick was one of seven siblings and is now reunited with his parents Asa Scanlon, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth McGuire; his sister Ida Mae Deleo; brothers Jack Scanlon, Asa Scanlon (2016), James Scanlon (2011), and his twin brother Robert Scanlon (2012); as well as his sister Kathleen Uva (2022). The bonds of family were central to Dick's life, and he cherished every moment spent with loved ones.
Known affectionately as "Pop," Dick had a zest for life that was contagious. He enjoyed sharing phrases in different languages to anyone that would listen to him. He loved to dance-especially to polkas-and was known as an excellent dancer who could light up any room with his moves. Music brought him joy, even if he claimed not to have a musical bone in his body beyond operating a radio.
He found delight in simple pleasures: gardening and yard work, smoking his pipe, playing cards with friends and family, visiting casinos for a bit of fun and luck, playing the numbers everyday and purchasing scratch off tickets hoping and praying for a win! He spent many hours watching endless episodes of "Law & Order: SVU," and cheering on professional wrestling matches-firmly believing every slam and storyline was real.
More than anything else, Dick will be remembered for his boundless generosity. He would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation and never turned away someone in need. He taught his children to treat others with kindness and respect-a legacy that continues through them today as they pass it on to his 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Jerome Church, located at 23 Half Mile Road in Norwalk, Connecticut. No calling hours will be held.
May Pop's memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire acts of kindness for generations to come.
Arrangements are under the direction of Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home 104 Myrtle Ave
Stamford, CT 06902 (203)-359-9999.
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