Paul Scalamogna

Paul Scalamogna was born in Mairato, region of Calabria, Italy on March 20, 1938. He was baptized when he was about six weeks old, May, 1938 at La Chiesa Matrice in Mairato. He reached the end of his life in the home he loved on Thursday, April 2, 2026 following a lengthy illness. He died peacefully with his wife, Linda (Smith) by his side. Paul was predeceased by his parents, Rosina Costa and Giuseppe Scalamogna; siblings, Nancy DeFina, Frank Scalamogna, Grace Scalamogna, his son, Joseph and daughter, Mary Ann Schell. He is survived by; his sister, Elisabetta Didiano, brother, Domenic Scalamogna, sister-in-law, Teresa Greco Scalamogna, daughters, Gina Haynos (Edward), Tina Scalamogna, DC, daughter-in-law, Cathy Scalamogna (Joseph), grandchildren, Michael Scalamogna (Juliana), Nicole Counahan (Mike), Connor Scalamogna, Jason Schell (Sheri) and two great grandsons, Ryder Counahan and Philip Paul Scalamogna. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews from FL, AK, MA and PA, his son's best friend, Paul Bubash whom he considered to be a son, and his cherished sister-in-law, Dr. Joanne Smith. Paul was the fifth of six children born to Rosina Costa and Giuseppe Scalamogna. He followed his Dad around their farm, first imitating him, then taking the initiative to do chores before his Dad could get to them. Even at a young age, he wanted to help. This was a personality trait that stayed with him his entire life. In the last months of his life, he spoke highly and often of his mother, father and son, Joe. Paul attended a one-room-schoolhouse in Italy. He remembered taking his shoes off after school, tying together the laces, slinging the shoes over his shoulder and walking home barefoot in order to keep the soles from wearing out. Paul learned about farming, growing and rotating crops, grafting roses and fruit trees and caring for the animals. He remembered his dad staying in the barn all night with a cow about to have a calf. He was given a gift of two white rabbits and quickly learned how fast two became forty-two. When he was barely 14 years old, he accompanied his sister, making the two-week journey by ship to Halifax, Nova Scotia and on to their final destination, The Port of New York. Paul and his siblings all had dual-citizenship thanks to their father who served in the US Army as an interpreter. He first lived with an Uncle in Pittsburgh, quickly learned to speak English and was passed through grades 1 to 8 in record time. He went to Westinghouse HS (where he said police cars were ever-present), but quit so he could work and help relatives having a tough time. Still a teenager, Paul became self-sufficient. He set about achieving the American Dream of independence and success. His family described him as an enthusiastic 'go-getter'. He got himself a paper route! That first Christmas, his pockets were stuffed with so many tips, he thought he was RICH! He was able to buy wonderful gifts for his mother, father, and brother, Dom and mail them to Italy. When he told that story, his eyes would light up and he was filled with joy! Paul went on to have a family and with hard work and determination, established SCALAMOGNA EXCAVATING in Mars, PA. He did new home excavation work for many builders in the Cranberry and North Hills areas for almost half a century, retiring at the age of 75. He also 'had an 'eye' for landscaping the area around new homes. He could always envision what they would look like and made sure the customer was pleased. His talent was legend. Paul was renowned for his vegetable gardening and flowers. He had 10 green digits. Everything he grew, thrived. Friends, neighbors and relatives were treated to the very best Beef Steaks and Big Boys, mild and hot peppers and in a good year, eggplant. He was at odds each and every summer with the deer, groundhogs, squirrels and those cute but pesky chipmunks. Paul LOVED the United States. His wife helped him become a registered voter in 2016. He was proud and happy to be able to vote and was incredibly proud to fly the Stars and Stripes. He was a walking advertisement for how glorious it is to be an American citizen; how fortunate to be a citizen of the USA. Paul was a man with great integrity, full of love kindness, considerate, generous and a hard working Son, Brother, Father, Uncle, Grandfather and Husband. God be with you, Paul!!! Special thanks to our neighbors who shoveled snow and cut our grass, brought in the mail and were always there to help when needed. Sincere gratitude to Concordia Visiting Nurses, especially Rachel, Grandell and Sue, BRIDGES HOSPICE, Dr. DiPlacido and the doctors and nurses at St. Margaret's and Mercy Hospitals and UPMC YOURCARE. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 18th, 2:00 PM at NATIVITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4517 Mt. Royal Blvd., Allison Park, PA. Pastor Jennifer Soltis will officiate with Alex Bednar, organist.

Paul Scalamogna

March 20, 1938 - April 2, 2026