Obituary of Richard Charles Scalise

ILION – Mr. Richard C. “Dick” Scalise, age 70, beloved husband of Terri Scalise, passed away after a brief illness on Monday morning, December 20, 2021 in the privacy and comfort of his home. At the time of his passing he had the love and support of his family at his side. Born on June 18, 1951, Richard was the son of the late Clement and Julia (Campion) Scalise. He was raised and educated locally, graduating from Frankfort-Schuyler High School with the Class of 1969. He then continued his education at Herkimer County Community College. On April 21, 1973, Dick was wed to the former Velleda “Terri” Hawthorne at St. Francis de Sales Church in Herkimer and together they shared in a blessed and loving union of over 48 years. As a young man, Dick was employed with the Union Fork & Hoe Company before his health no longer allowed him to do so. His life’s work was that of being a devoted husband, father and grandfather. When his children were young, Dick proudly coached for many of their sports, including Frankfort Pop Warner football, Little League and CYO as well as for the Frankfort and Herkimer varsity football and track teams. As his children grew into adults, Richard’s life was made even fuller when he was blessed with grandchildren, and eventually great-grandchildren. He absolutely adored his family and was always their biggest cheerleader and supporter. In his spare time, Richard was an avid sports fan who especially loved the New York Yankees. He also enjoyed nature and frequently went camping and hiking throughout the years. He and his wife, Terri, were longtime parishioners of the Church of the Annunciation in Ilion. He is survived by his beloved wife, Terri; his daughters and sons-in-law, Bernadette and Christopher Jones of Finksburg, MD and Adrienne and Michael Davidson of Fulton, MD; always in his heart was the memory of his son, Shawn P. Scalise, who passed away on November 4, 2014. Dick also leaves his beloved grandchildren, Saivon, Isis, Kaden, Sophia and Ella; his two great-grandchildren, Adrienne and Wyatt; his brother and sister-in-law, Clement and Toni Scalise of Mohawk; his uncle and aunt, Tom and Theresa Scalise of Herkimer; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, son, Shawn, and a special Aunt Josie. Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours for Dick on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 from 4:00PM – 6:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Dick’s funeral service will commence on Wednesday at 6:00PM at the funeral home, immediately upon the conclusion of visitation, with Rev. Paul Catena officiating. Due to current state mandates, those who attend services are asked to please wear a face covering. A special thank you is extended to the caregivers of Hospice and Palliative Care, for the kindness and compassion shown to Dick and his family throughout the last days of his journey. In his memory, please consider donations to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The Scalise family has entrusted Dick’s final wishes to the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000, Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.