Thomas Scalise

Thomas Scalise

Thomas Scalise, 96, passed away on January 2, 2026, in Wynn Hospital.

Thomas Scalise was born on May 20, 1929 in Herkimer, NY, to the late Dominick and Anna Santillo Scalise. He attended Herkimer schools and graduated from Herkimer High School with the class of 1947. Tom was a retired military man, and began his career with the US Navy for four years aboard the carriers USS Midway and USS Mindoro. Following his naval service he was employed for two years as a sexton at St. Anthony's Church. He decided to reenlist in the armed forces with the US Air Force from 1952-1969. During his Air Force tour of duty he served aboard the Texas Towers off the east coast of the United States. His tour also included Air Training Command, Air Defense Command, Tactical Air Command and Strategic Air Command. His last tour of duty was serving in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct medal with Oak Clusters, Army Good Conduct with three loops, WWll Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal, Korean Star Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Combat Medal with one Bronze Star, Air Force Longevity Service Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Small Arms and Expert Marksman Ribbon. He retired from the US Air Force on December 31, 1969 after 20 years of service.

After his retirement he was employed by Mohawk Data Sciences as manager of the Distribution Center for several years. He then became the Executive Director of Herkimer Housing Authority for 17 years until his retirement in 1991. He was an active communicant of Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church and a member of the St. Francis Society and the American Legion Post 229, Utica Being a devout catholic, Thomas could be seen praying to his rosary every day.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Theresa Scalise; two daughters and one son in law, Terri Anne and Bill Roller and Thea Scalise; his in laws, Rita and Fran Varano and Joyce Varano and several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father and mother Dominick and Anna Scalise; four brothers, James DePalma, Louis DePalma, Ralph Scalise and Clem Scalise; three sisters, Louise DeFazio, Anne Scalise and Mary Cotterman; his father in law and mother in law, Thomas and Catherine Varano; his brother in law and sister in law, Gregory and Elda Varano.

His funeral will be held, Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 11:15 from the V.J.Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc 203 Second Ave, Frankfort and at 12:00 PM in Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church, S. Main St Herkimer where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Quy Vo. Spring interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours will be Wednesday morning from 9:30-11:15 at the V.J.Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc.

Tom's family would like to extend their sincere appreciation the nurses and staff of Sitrin's Hickory House for the wonderful caring shown to him during his stay there. They would also like to thank the outstanding care shown to him while at the Wynn during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom's memory mat be made to Sitrins Vet Program, 2050 Tilden Ave, New Hartford, NY 13413 or Feed Our Vets Program, 502 Broad St, Utica, NY 13501. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Thomas's online memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com