Vincent J. Scalera

Vincent J. Scalera

Vincent J. Scalera, age 96, of Westfield, formerly of Springfield, passed away on March 22, 2019. Born and raised in Newark, Vincent lived in Springfield for 58 years before moving to Westfield in 2015.
Vincent was a veteran of the US Army and served during WWll. In 1945 he helped the Ninth Army build a Bailey bridge across the Rhine River at Wesel, Germany, under a smoke screen for the Allied forces to cross, all while they dodged bullets from the strafing planes above. He attended Pratt Institute of Art in Brooklyn. He was a talented furniture designer and refinisher who took over the family’s business, Louis Scalera and Sons, and later worked for Huffman Koos Furniture. Vinnie also enjoyed theater set design and photography. He was a member of UNICO, The American Legion and AMICO. The oldest of 7 children, Vincent was the well-loved and respected patriarch, cherished by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and many nieces and nephews.
Vincent was predeceased by his wife, Helen, and siblings Madeline Formato, Judge Nicholas Scalera, and Angelina Scalera. He is survived by his children Diane Bath (Bert), Judith Polley (Charles), Nancy Mackow (Robert), and Tomm Scalera (Holly); his longtime girlfriend Mary Sciortino; 9 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and his siblings Frank (Louise) Scalera, Louis (Maria) Scalera, Michelina (Nick) Spagnoletti, and his sister-in-law, Kathryn Scalera.