- Welcome to Daley Life Celebration Studio, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
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.
5 Comments
We are so sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. We will always remember sitting with him on the swing or in the porch he made next to the barn, him showing us his cars, sharing his homemade wine at Christmas. He will be missed. A trip to Jersey won’t be the same without him. Rest in Peace Phil, and give Loretta a hug for us too. with much love, Pat & Nelson
Phil, You are truly missed, rest in peace
Extending my sympathy and condolences to Phil’s family from the state of Iowa. Phil and I had become great friends after our meeting at the Swedesboro Atlantic Station in the summer of 1961. I was in the Army and stationed at the Swedesboro Nike Base from Feb of 1961 to Nov of 1963. Being we both were “car guys” we hit it off and spent many hours talking about and working on them. He was a mechanical genius so was very helpful to me working on my 1940 Ford making many upgrades along with installing his “speed secrets”. Our friendship continued even after I went back home to Iowa. We shared our life stories with letters, pictures, Christmas cards and telephone calls as we became long distance friends over the next 62 years. I did get back to NJ a few times over the years to visit him and it was always just like old times. He would talk about making the trip to Iowa some day but the time was never quite right and we got older. I will miss our periodic chat sessions along with the pictures he would have Amanda send me of his latest projects and the happenings at the old Nike Base. And I will miss his Christmas card this year, he was always so prompt getting it to Iowa in time. We all of friends but the Great Friends are the ones that leave a mark in your life! He will be missed by all of us that knew him .
So sorry to hear of your passing. Remember you from numerous car shows over the years Jim and I would see you. Rest in peace.
Went to Rough & Tumble today (Wed. 8/13/25).