Peter Scala

Peter was born on June 16, 1948 in New Jersey to Andrew and Helen Scala. He grew up in Parlin, NJ and was the youngest of five with two brothers, Joseph and Andrew; and two sisters, Mary and Elizabeth. Peter joined the United States Army at age 18 as a member of the 101st Airborne Division and was a Vietnam Veteran awarded with a Vietnam Service Medal and three Bronze Service stars.

Peter went on to serve his country further as a Police Officer with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Retirement came early due to an injury that led him to settle in Ft. Myers, Florida where he met the love of his life, Monika. Peter’s desire for warm weather and beaches led him to become a Scuba Dive Instructor, which both he and Monika enjoyed together.

One of Peter’s passions in life was visiting new places and going on adventures. In addition to various locations in the United States, Peter and his wife enjoyed traveling to the Cayman Islands, China, and Europe. He particularly loved Paris and wished to return there with his whole family one day.

Peter’s interests included playing golf, physical fitness, and surrounding himself with family and friends. He provided a great example to his children about the importance of health and physical fitness as well as having respect for animals and all living things. He had an infectious sense of humor and could add sunshine to the cloudiest of days. He touched the lives of every single person he met and always thought of ways he could help others. Peter will be missed by all and many who had the opportunity to know him feel it was an honor to be his friend.

Peter will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Monika, of 24 years; three children, Jason, Jodie, and Tanya; his three grandchildren, Ashley, April, and Braeden.

An Open House Celebration of Life for close friends and family will be held at the home on January 19, 2018 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Come as you are and bring a memory.

In lieu of flowers, plants that will thrive in a garden would be appreciated. To honor Peter’s love of animals, we ask that you make contributions in his name to Gulf Coast Humane Society.

http://www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org/