Raymond J. Scalise, born August 27, 1934 in Warren, PA, passed peacefully on July 28, 2024, from complications from Alzheimer’s.
Ray is survived by his wife, Pamela; daughter Becky (Jim) Ulmer of Tampa, FL; daughter Laurie (Bill) Gable of Stockbridge, GA; daughter Sally (Jerry) Lucia of Westfield, NC; brother Fred (Margie) Scalise of Warren, PA; sister Jean (Frank) Temple of Youngsville, PA; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; 4 stepchildren; and 2 step- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dominic and Sara Scalise.
Ray served in the U.S, Army during the Korean War, and was an Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery. He spent his working years in sales, and also fulfilled his passion for food as the founder of the “King of Wings” restaurant in Tampa.
Ray loved music, and sang tenor in the Heralds of Harmony barbershop chorus, and in several quartets, over the span of more than 50 years. He loved performing around the community, and later developed his own “Tribute to Perry Como” show, entertaining mostly in senior communities. He was active in the local karaoke scene too, and was also a member of the Folk Group at Holy Family Catholic Church. Ray’s biggest joy was being with family, and in particular he loved cooking for and feeding his family with delicious Italian food.
Ray’s faith was always important to him, and serving the church in various ways was a priority in his life. May he rest in peace in his Father’s arms.
The family is grateful for the care he received from Empath Health Suncoast Hospice of Palm Harbor; from Bay Pines Veteran’s Hospital; from Whitsym In Home Care; and from Laura Frigo. Services will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 200 78th Ave., NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702 on Friday, August 16 at 2:00 pm, with a reception following in the Church Hall.
In addition, there will be a memorial service at Lewis Funeral Home, 304 East St., Warren, PA on Saturday, September 14th at 10:00 am, with a reception following at St. Joseph’s Meyer Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Alzheimer’s Association: Tampa Bay Herald’s of Harmony; Empath Health Suncoast Hospice; or Holy Family Catholic Church.
