JOHN SCANGA

JOHN A. SCANGA
Passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 in Fairfax, VA. Born on August 26, 1919 in Point Marion, PA, he was the youngest son of Guytano and Theresa Guida Scanga, who emigrated from Italy in 1898. He was preceded in death by Frances, his beloved wife of 75 years; sister, Mary; and brothers, Fred, Benny, Julie, and Patsy. Numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family knew them as second parents. Uncle John' achieved success both professional and personal in so many ways beyond his humble upbringing in "Little Italy'- he was the second of his family to graduate from high school, served in the United States Army Air Force, and gained a BA from Fairmont State College in 1951 in three years under the GI Bill. He taught physics and chemistry in Springdale, PA, and at George Mason High School in Falls Church, VA, until 1956, when he started his career in high-tech with positions with Aeronautical Radio, Inc. (ARINC), and ERC which he helped co-found. John lived in Fairfax, VA for almost 40 years.He and the indefatigable "Aunt Frances' retired to Bradenton, FL in 1987 where he enjoyed golf, shooting his age until he quit at 93, and always "150 straight down the middle'.Uncle John and Aunt were Godparents for so much family, and attended many weddings, graduations, and other family events (likely almost 100!). Uncle John was a legend for the next generation with his quick wit and gentle personality. During his life he was a coal truck driver, a glassblower, a Eucharistic Minister, an ardent charity organizer, a song leader (in Italian), a CEO of a company on the NYSE, and an avid Redskin fan. Everyone remembers his wit, including such statements as "Why own an $80,000 car when I live in a $20,000 house,' and (at a long wedding) "I know marriages that didn't last this long.' A memorial service is planned for this fall in Fairfax, VA.