Joseph R. Scandaglia

Joseph Richard Scandaglia passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026. He was a devoted father to John, Richard and Gregory Scandaglia and loving husband to Josephine for 73 years. He was predeceased by his parents John and Ciara and his siblings Frank and Anna.

He had a love of music especially big band and jazz vocalists. Hearing the music of Frank Sinatra, Tommy Dorsey or Glen Miller he could not help sing the lyrics to their tunes. His love of the New York Yankees was deep. From Dimaggio to Berra to Jeter his heroes wore pinstripes.

He was a hero in his own right having served as a pharmacists mate in the Navy during World War II. He was a freshman at Fordham University with a plan to become a doctor when his country called him to service.

He served on multiple combat ships in the Pacific including the USS Baltimore and the USS Biloxi. The Biloxi earned nine battle stars and was nicknamed the “Busy Bee” because she participated in every major Pacific operation. In March of 1945, the ship was hit by a kamikaze plane but did not lose a sailor. When the war ended the Biloxi was the first ship to arrive in Japan to evacuate American POWs. Joseph was very proud of his service in the Navy and loved to tell stories of how his ships evaded torpedoes.

His grandchildren. Joseph, Cole, Ryan, Stephanie, Gina, Joseph and John have wonderful memories of their grandparents taking them to upstate NY resorts every July. He knew that these trips would cement the bonds these cousins continue to share to this day.

Services will take place on May 22 between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm at Towers Funeral Home 2681 Long Beach Road, Oceanside NY. A memorial mass will begin at 9:45 am at St Anthony’s Catholic Church, 88 Anchor Avenue, Oceanside. Interment to follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park, 2030 Wellwood Road, Farmingdale.

He will also be remembered for his sense of humor, big heart and optimistic viewpoint. He lived 100 years and we were blessed for him having in our lives this long. He will be remembered for never quitting. If your last attempt at success was not good enough, you could count him to tell you to just “Keep Shooting.”

If you would like to honor Joseph with a gift, donations can be made to Homes For Veterans