Aris George Scarla

59, a retired Phoenix Fire Department Captain, passed away recently at his home in Mesa, Arizona. Born to Greek-American parents in Phoenix on March 15, 1954, Aris was always proud of his Greek heritage and kept in contact with relatives living in Sparta, Greece. In 1972, Aris graduated from Arcadia High School in Phoenix, then attended Northern Arizona University for three years. Since high school, Aris had always dreamed of becoming a firefighter . In 1977, he joined the ranks of the Phoenix Fire Department, with whom he served proudly for the next thirty-two years. During this time Aris was married to Dr. Susan D. Scarla for twelve years and they had three wonderful children together; their marriage ended in 1996. In his off- duty time, Aris had a passion for hunting, fishing and boating. Rocky Point, Mexico, was always a favorite boating and vacation spot. He also had a love of travel and was able to travel widely during his life, including a memorable Alaskan fishing trip and several trips to Greece, England and France. After his reluctant retirement from the Fire Department in 2009, Aris became interested in riding motorcycles, especially Harleys. He often said he was in his "Sons of Anarchy" stage of life. But his greatest, most profound passion was his love for his family, who will miss him more than he ever could have imagined. On January 19, 2014, Aris went to be with the Lord and join his family who passed before him--his beloved parents, George Aris Scarla (Gyorgos Aristeidis Scarlatenes) and Angelica Kimer Scarla (Angeliki Iliades Scarlatenes). Those who remain to miss him are his three loving children: George Aris Scarla (Gilbert, Arizona), Nicholas Dee Scarla (Mesa, Arizona) and Stephanie Ann Scarla (Mesa, Arizona). He is lovingly survived by his brother Dennis George Scarla of Vallejo, California, and sister Ann Scarla Hughes (husband Michael) of Scottsdale, Arizona. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Angela Christine Hughes (Scottsdale, Arizona), Kalia Holderman Scarla (Arcata, California), Michael Thornton Hughes (Scottsdale, Arizona), and Kellen Holderman Scarla (Vallejo, California). He is most fondly remembered by many cousins and other relatives and friends. A funeral service will be held Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 11:00 am at Greenwood Memory Lawn Serenity Chapel, 2300 W. Van Buren, Phoenix, with graveside service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for the memorial to Arizona Fallen Firefighters and Paramedics (www.azfirefightersmemorial.com). Dearest Aris, rest in peace with the Lord and know you will forever be in our hearts and memories -