Gary Scarpa Jr, 91, of Mt. Laurel NJ was the second child of Salvitore Guy, "Garry" Scarpa and Sadie Scarpa (nee Pullman). Born in Elizabeth, NJ in 1929, he remembered gathering coal from the basement to heat the family apartment during the depression, and bathing once a week (youngest-to-oldest) with bathwater shared between siblings Raymond and Dorothy. His family later moved to Clifton, NJ. In high school was a proud member of the Holy Name Cadets Drum Corps, traveling to Miami Florida for American Legion Nationals in 1948 where the Cadets won the National Championship. He also began two cherished friendships around this time; one with his future wife Eleanor Kilgus, and the other with fellow Cadet Arthur Geary. After high school, Gary began his textile career as an apprentice at B. Altman Company, where he eventually worked his way up to General Manager. Eleanor and Gary married in 1950. Their son Gary Scarpa III was born in 1951 and Kenneth the following year. The family moved to upstate New York where Gary Jr continued to support his family working in textile mills in Philmont, while putting himself through night school and earning a degree in Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Third son Mark added delightful chaos to the family beginning in 1960 and Robert followed in Mark's footsteps in 1964. Youngest child Lenore came along a year later, and immediately began organizing the mayhem kicked up by her older brothers.

In 1970, the family moved to Bucks County Pennsylvania and Gary took a job as Vice President and General Manager of Anchor Dyeing and Finishing in Philadelphia. Eventually Gary and Eleanor moved back to New Jersey where they loved hosting vivacious gatherings filled with multiple adoring generations and food from their Italian and Polish heritages. (Gary's specialties included caesar salad, bruschetta, and spaghetti and meatballs––always supported by Eleanor's red sauce). They eventually retired to a "dream house" which they built in Voorhees, and enjoyed traveling together in retirement, especially vacations to Italy, Egypt, and Greece.

During Eleanor's multiple battles with cancer, Gary was a loyal and loving caretaker. After her death in 2009, he took solace in fond memories of their 59 years together, and in his church community. A faithful Catholic, Gary became a pillar of St. Thomas More Parish's social and gastronomical life, frequently cooking for church events and cultivating a devoted circle of friends. In recent years, he delighted in hosting his extended family at the Jersey Shore for annual vacation reunions, with time spent together by the water, cooking, talking, laughing, and of course eating. It was also a time for "Grandpa" to recount family stories, which he did with delight, humor and an unparalleled memory.
Gary passed on December 31 at 7:56 pm, ending a 40+ year run ringing in the New Year with best friends, the Geary family of Greenland NH. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Eleanor and siblings Raymond Scarpa and Dorothy Kwasnik.

His joyful voice, generous spirit and unconditional love lives on in the memories of his children; Gary III of Saugerties, NY, Kenneth of Canaan, NY, Mark and husband John Woodard of Mullica Hill, NJ, Robert of New York, NY, and Lenore Scarpa O'Brien and husband David O'Brien of Voorhees NJ; grandchildren Jennifer Scarpa-Meade; Shea Gardner, Dr. Stephanie, Emily, MaeEllen, and Garrett Scarpa; great grandchildren Romero and Savannah Scarpa-Meade; his descendants' spouses, partners, and former spouses; extended and honorary family members; and the many friends whom Gary welcomed into his life with loving arms and great food.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at St. Thomas More Parish, 1430 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003.

We would want those who cannot join us to live stream the Mass via YouTube at https://youtu.be/qjxq9alM7U0