Timothy Joseph Scalzitti Sr

Timothy Joseph Scalzitti Sr

Timothy Joseph Scalzitti, Sr. (Timmy Scalz), age 92,of Erie passed away unexpectedly on Sunday April 30th, 2017,at Saint Vincent Hospital. He was born on January 2, 1925, the son of the late Tomasina (DiNicola) Scalzitti and Aurelio Scalzitti.

He was a 1943 graduate of Strong Vincent High School.Tim served his country in World War II as a Staff Sargent in the Army Infantry. The pinnacle of his military career was his participation in The Normandy Invasion (Utah Beach) in the Summer of 1944. As a member of The Tough Ombres, Company L, 358th Infantry,90th Division, Tim played a key role in saving many lives and liberating the village of Donnemarie-Dontilly, France. Tim was presented the Medal of the Village in 1994, by the village Mayor to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their liberation. Tim earned many medals and honors in WWII including: The Silver Star for Conspicuous Gallantry and Intrepidity in Action against the Enemy, The Purple Heart for Military Merit, Distinguished Unit Badge, The Victory Medal and 5 Bronze Stars.

Timmy was a talented bricklayer who always took great pride in his work. He was an artist with brick, block, stone, concrete and mortar. Tim derived great satisfaction knowing he help build scores of brick buildings in NW Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York during his 50 year career. Tim's skills were highly regarded by his peers and employers alike; he was often consulted on brickwork that required intricacy and finesse. One of his greatest accomplishments was building a full scale reproduction of a pergola from the Garden of Tivoli, using only a few Polaroid pictures as a guide. Tim was a lifelong member of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers and Bricklayers Local 28,serving his local chapter as the Treasurer for many years.

Tim possessed a great love for his family and many friends. He was immensely proud of his children and his grandchildren and took great satisfaction in their accomplishments. Some of his favorite days were spent talking to friends at the National Club about his children and grandchildren's lives.There was also a special place in Timmy's heart for his many friends.Tim loved being with his friends and was always at home wherever his friends were: In the early years, after the war, at the Snack Bar on Cranberry St, where he could be found with his brother, Johnny and then his son, Tommy, or any one of his local hangouts, where he so skillfully played Pinochle and Poker. He thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie. Over the years he made many friends at La Nuova Aurora Society, The Sunflower Club and Circolo Nazionale.The jokes and stories he repeated will forever be cherished by all who were lucky enough to be able to listen.

Timmy was a friend to young and old alike. He was a Bartender at the Swinging Door Café, then at Bell's Cafe and Tivoli Tavern, which his son, Tommy and DC Calabrese owned. Many customers came in just to talk to Timmy. A lifelong Cleveland Indians fan, Tim attended and listened to thousands of games on the radio and could not wait for Spring Training each year as it signaled the start of a new season. Of great comfort to his family was that Tim was witness to a Tribe 8 run, 3rd inning on the day of his passing. Tim's "326" Winning Trifecta in the Summer of 1971 for $13,000 is still was one of the largest on record at the now defunct Commodore Downs. Timmy will be remembered for his warm sense of humor, quick wit and his countless catalogue of favorite sayings and quotes that will live on through all that loved him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary (Perrino) Scalzitti in 2013, son, Thomas J. Scalzitti in 2015, twin brother, Eugene (Iggy) in 1978, sister, Pia in 2013, sister Anna in 2004 and brother John in 2000.

He is survived by a sister, Geraldine Harris of Yountville, CA. two sons, Timothy J Scalzitti Jr., of Erie and John W. Scalzitti (Mary Lou) of Brecksville, OH, two daughters; Patricia Emery (Edward) of Highland Hts. OH. and Pamela Kwiatkowski (James) of Erie. Tim was a loving grandfather of Nicole Barbato (Joe), Julia Woodard (Kam), Timmy Emery (Amy), Matthew Kwiatkowski, T.J. Scalzitti ,Carla Sleppy (Derek),Danny Kwiatkowski, Therese Scalzitti, Olivia Scalzitti and Amanda Scalzitti. Tim is also survived by nephew, Michael Scalzitti and niece, Michele Ament (Steve), four Great Grandchildren: Michael and Logan Barbato, Benjamin and Emery Woodard.

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., on Thursday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and may attend a Funeral Mass on Friday at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1626 West 26th Street, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the Veteran's Administration - Erie, Pa. for the compassionate and comprehensive care to a grateful veteran.