Benjamin F. Scalise, Sr.

SFC (R) Benjamin F. "Benny" Scalise Sr., 75, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Friday, November 18, 2016 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare. Benny was born in Utica on September 8, 1941, a son of Peter and Anna (Tringo) Scalise. He was educated in local schools and attended TR Proctor High School. In 1963, Ben joined the US Army and served honorably with the HHC 2-108IN until his retirement on September 30, 2001. On September 7, 1968, Benny was joined in marriage to the former Anna Luvera. They shared a marriage of love and commitment to each other for over forty-eight years. Ben was a diesel mechanic for the NYS DOT for over thirty-six years. A loving husband, and proud father and grandfather, Benny was a master of all trades and the go-to guy in the family for every project. He was an avid fisherman and mushroomer; activities he enjoyed with his children and grandchildren, and always with his familiar great big smile. He is survived by his beloved wife, Anna; his sons, Benjamin Jr. and Tina Scalise, SSG Vincent and Jennifer Scalise, and Christopher and Vickey Scalise; seven adored grandchildren, CPT Benjamin III Scalise and his wife, Alaina Scalise, Jessica, Anthony, Andrew, Adrianna, Collin and Jett Scalise; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony and Liz Scalise, and Peter and Nancy Scalise; sister and brother-in-law, Maryann and Bill Millward; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dominick and Linda Luvera, Carmen and Dori Luvera, Joseph and Patricia Luvera, Peter and Tracy Luvera, and Rosalie and Carl Peters; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Anna; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Vincent "Jim" and Caroline Luvera; and brother-in-law, James "Jim" Luvera. His funeral will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. from The Matt Funeral Home and at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Entombment with Military Honors will follow at Calvary Mausoleum. Relatives and friends may call on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Matt Funeral Home, 700 Rutger St., at Mohawk St., Utica. In memory of Benny and in lieu of flowers, please consider donations to HHC 2-108IN MWR Fund, 1700 Parkway East Armory, Utica, NY 13501 or donations may be made at the funeral home. For directions to the funeral home, click the link above.

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