Robert A Scala

Robert A. Scala, 92, died peacefully on October 3, 2024 in Willow Street, PA. Born in Utica, NY on 11/14/31, he was the elder son of the late Andrew C. and Frances J. (Cardamone) Scala and brother of the late A. Richard Scala. Bob received his undergraduate degree from Hamilton College and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Rochester. 

Bob was a lifelong learner with a passion for science which led to his 40 years in the field of toxicology. Widely recognized for his knowledge and his strict adherence to the scientific method regardless of the outcome, he was invited to participate in numerous government and academic advisory committees and panels. Bob was an Adjunct Professor at NYU, Rutgers University (UMDNJ) and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Medical College of Virginia. He is the author or co-author of over 50 peer-reviewed scientific publications, book chapters, reviews and abstracts. He was Board Certified in the practice of toxicology by both the American Board of Toxicology and the Academy of Toxicological Sciences. 

During Bob’s prestigious career, he held multiple positions in the Society of Toxicology and was recognized for his contributions to the profession and to the science of toxicology with numerous awards culminating with the Merit Award in 1995. He retired from Exxon in 1991, finishing his career as a Senior Scientific Advisor. 

For over 55 years, Bob was a dedicated volunteer firefighter and EMT. He served as a member of volunteer companies in NJ, DE, and PA and often said that leaving that volunteer service was more difficult than retiring from his full-time work. 

While in graduate school, Bob was fortunate to meet the love of his life, Janet C. Eddy. Married in 1957 and together for 63 years until Jan’s passing in August 2020, theirs was a love story for the ages. Their devotion to each other, their children and their faith was often remarked upon by all who knew them. Bob and Jan were longtime supporters of higher education and the arts. Their consistent commitment was demonstrated through a number of educational scholarships and endowments. 

Bob Scala will be remembered for his enthusiasm for all things scientific, his dedication to the mentoring of young professionals, his love for the blue Arizona sky, and his fondness for baseball. He is survived by his son Dr. John R. Scala, wife Jessie and their children Andrew (Brittni), Meagan, Daniel and Catherine; daughter Anne Scala Toolajian, husband Loren and sons Josh (Emily), Dylan and Matthew; son Dr. Peter L. Scala, wife Danielle and sons Jackson and Nathan; and daughter Jeanne Scala Bauer, husband Alan and daughter Teresa, and one great grandson, Tate Toolajian. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Dr. Robert A. Scala and Mrs. Janet C. Scala Medical Graduate Studies Scholarship at the University of Rochester, P.O. Box 270032, Rochester NY 14627-0032 or giving.rochester.edu.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Road, Lancaster, PA on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Following the service the family invites those attending to gather in the social hall for a reception after the mass. Light refreshments will be served. 

The Memorial Mass at St. John Neumann Catholic Church will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person. The link can be found on the St. John Neumann Parish web page, https://sjnlancaster.org/

 A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring Run Auditorium at Willow Valley Communities from 10:00 am -12:00 pm on Saturday November 16, 2024.