CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

Philip LaScala

Phil loved the simple life, but if he had one vice, it was filling his garages. He had many an antique car and truck and tractors galore. He’d acquire them as rust buckets and restore them to their former beauty. Once restored he loved to show them off, especially in parades. His favorite of recent were the buggies that he had fabricated. The outdoors refreshed his soul, especially quiet times spent in his garden where over the years he’d grown just about everything conceivable. And as he wandered the property, he’d most likely be admiring his trees; blasphemy to even discuss cutting one down. He could survey most of the yard while he sat on his swing, glass of his homemade wine (dandelion, strawberry and mulberry) in his hand. He was a master behind the stove; a million pasta dishes and always prepping a soup. The stainless pot would come off the stove and find its way into the fridge and then back and forth a few times until empty: never a reason to dirty more dishes and bowls. He was proud to be of Italian descent; 2nd generation, he spoke the language. As a dad he had the respect of his kids; it seldom took more than his look to get his point across. He worked as a machinist for U.S. Drop Forge but found his real calling late in life as a grandfather, letting the grands loose in his basement playroom, enjoying the matchbox cars and the occasional cheeseball and chocolate.
Through friends he’d meet a pretty girl, the late Loretta; they shared a 39-year marriage. He is survived by his children, Darlene Monaco (Tom), Tammy Lee (Whitey), Bobby Chew (Julie), Michael LaScala (Lauren) and Amanda LaScala (Ian); grandchildren, Kyle, Kristen, Stephanie, Danielle, Shawn, Cooper, Breanna and Henry; great grandchildren, Teddy, Piper, Audrianna, Gino, Max, Scarlett, Adrian and Blaise; and his sidekick, Nina.
Come celebrate 82 great years Monday August 11th, 9 a.m. to noon at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro where there will be a noon service. Interment, Lake Park Cemetery, Woolwich.