William J Scaglione

WORCESTER - William J. "Bill" Scaglione, 90, of 127 Alvarado Ave., died peacefully Friday, April 12, 2013, at UMass University Campus Hospital, after a valiant battle with heart disease. His beloved wife of 64 years, Teresa B. (Kaminski) Scaglione, died in 2008. Bill is survived by his loving daughter, Joan T. Scaglione and her husband, Denis Lehotay of Kingston, Ontario, Canada; five devoted grandchildren, Christine M. Masse and her husband Stephen of Lowell, James T. Scaglione and his wife Jennifer of Rutland, Michael J. Scaglione of Worcester and Anthony F. and Dominic J. Scaglione both of Warren, VT. He is also survived by many cousins, nephews, nieces and wonderful friends and neighbors. His son, William C. "Buddy" Scaglione died in 2004; a brother James Scaglione and a niece, Anne (Scaglione) Murphy both pre-deceased him. Born in Worcester, William was a son of the late Francesco and Christina (Arcure) Scaglione, natives of Acri, Province of Cosenza, Italy, and has lived here all his life. A graduate of Commerce High School, Bill worked at Parker Manufacturing and later as a mechanical engineer for many years at the Rice Barton Corporation, the Morgan Construction Company and the former Thermo Electron Corporation, now Kadant Technologies, of Auburn. He was esteemed and valued by colleagues and clients throughout his working career. He retired in 1987 and began working as a gallery attendant at the Worcester Art Museum for many years. Bill was a respected and talented local artist always seeking to make the next painting his best. He became a full-time painter after his wife's death. Bill developed many new friendships and found renewed purpose and strength when he began taking classes at the Worcester Art Museum. He loved mentoring others, and freely shared his love and knowledge of color and his passion of new-found acrylic approaches with his classmates, always with a kind heart and a tremendous sense of humor. Bill exhibited his work in competitions and galleries throughout the area including the Italian-American Cultural Center, Arts Worcester and the Marlborough Public Library. He was the subject of an article by Worcester Telegram columnist Dianne Williamson in September 2012. Bill served his country proudly as a World War II Army veteran. He was an active member of St. Anne's Parish, Shrewsbury, the former St. Margaret Mary's, Worcester and the Greendale YMCA Men's Club. As a young man, Bill was a standout athlete and carried that spirit of determination through his entire life. Above all, he will be remembered as a loving husband and father, an adored grandfather, a dear friend and neighbor to all. Bill's kind and generous spirit, tender heart and passion for life will continue to be a source of comfort and inspiration to those who mourn his passing and celebrate his life. The Scaglione Family wishes to gratefully acknowledge the exquisite care given by Drs. Gerard Aurigemma, Richard A. Palken, Theo Meyer, Lawrence Rosenthal, Igor Palacios and the entire staff of UMass University Campus Third Floor East. Bill's funeral will begin at 9:00 am Tuesday, April 16th, in THE MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, followed by a procession to St. Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury where his Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Monday, April 15th, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Worcester Art Museum Scholarship Fund, 55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, 01609.