Obituary of Thomas D. Scarpulla

Thomas D. Scarpulla Pine Bush, NY Thomas (Grandpa Tom) Scarpulla, a longtime Pine Bush resident entered into eternal rest on Friday, January 8, 2016. He was 91. Tom was a proud World War 2 Navy Veteran born in Pearl River, NY on June 8, 1924. The son of the late Andrew and Leonora Scarpulla, Tom was predeceased by his loving wife of 52 years, Gladys Wells Scarpulla. He is survived by his loving companion Betty Sasso of Pine Bush; two sons Thomas and wife Dawn Gregg-Scarpulla of Gardiner and Richard and wife Gabriele of Otisville; grandchildren Shad Scarpulla and wife Barbra, Kimberly Waliszewski and husband Eric, and Nicholas Scarpulla; great- grandchildren Lukas and Emily Waliszewski; two sisters Sarah Sorriento of Pearl River and Teresa Hanley of Old Ridge, NJ , and many great nieces and nephews. Brother Sam of Nanuet and four sisters Josie, Mary, Rosie, and Tillie also predeceased him. Tom was loved by all who knew him. He was a loving, caring man with a big heart and had a true love of the community giving over 25 years as a volunteer to several local Little Leagues (Wallkill, Pine Bush and Otisville). While he was a coach for many years he was best known as a beloved umpire where he earned the nickname “Grandpa Tom” -which stuck with him to this day. Everyone loved when Grandpa Tom was behind the plate but no one loved it more than him. He enjoyed many years as a crossing guard in Pine Bush as well. Tom always was a sports fan, the Yankees and the Jets being his two favorite teams. He enjoyed watching both on TV and rarely missed the Yankees when they were on. He was known as a tremendous competitive horseshoe player and bowler and enjoyed competing in both well into his eighties. In his earlier years he was recognized as a very accomplished dancer. At many weddings he would steal the show on the dance floor. In his younger days he won several awards for his dancing prowess. Tom was a member of the American Legion, Catholic War Veterans and the Pine Bush Senior Group. Tom will be greatly missed by both family and community alike. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 11, 2016 from 2-4 & 7-9pm at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home located at 1525 Burlingham Road, Pine Bush, NY 12566. Funeral Services will be offered on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at 11am at the funeral home. Burial will take place at New Prospect Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send donations in his name to Senior Dining Program- Orange County Office of the Aging at 18 Seward Ave. Second floor, Middletown, NY 10940 (845-615-3700). Arrangements entrusted to the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com