Anthony J. Scapicchio

Anthony J. Scapicchio, a man of strong character, remarkable talent and deep devotion to family, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was 93.

Born in Boston on December 5, 1931, Anthony was one of two children of the late Sebastiano and Antonetta (Giullo) Scapicchio. Raised in the North End and later in Jamaica Plain, he grew up surrounded by the warmth and support of his extended family. From an early age, he developed a deep sense of loyalty and love of family that would shape his life.

At a young age, Anthony enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving honorably during the Korean War, both as an aerial gunner and a boom operator refueling planes in midair for the Strategic Air Command. His service was a source of lifelong pride.

After his service, Anthony married the love of his life, Mary DeLuca, on May 1, 1960. Together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. After several years in Peabody, they settled in Melrose to raise their five children. Anthony loved nothing more than gathering with his extended family. Notably, he bonded with Mary’s brothers and sister as if they were his own.

Anthony’s professional life was as impressive as it was varied. He began his career as an auto body technician at a Boston dealership; after studying engineering at Northeastern University he moved on to work for Raytheon, AVCO and eventually NASA, where he contributed to the Gemini, Apollo and Skylab projects and was awarded a patent. (Components he fabricated remain on the moon today.) Later he worked with the Department of Transportation on aircraft accident investigations and ultimately served as an Industrial Specialist with the Department of Defense. In addition, he ran his own business creating custom decorative plastics for the hospitality industry.

A true craftsman and artist at heart, Anthony approached every project with precision and creativity. He single-handedly remodeled his family home in Melrose, and handmade much of the furniture there. He had a passion and a talent for drawing. He drew constantly for pleasure, had a small and occasional business drawing house portraits, and his pictures of classic cars were available for purchase at the Lars Anderson Museum gift shop.

A man of deep faith, Anthony was a longtime parishioner of Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Wakefield, where he and Mary were often daily communicants. His Catholic faith was a source of strength and grounding throughout his life.

He was proud of his Italian heritage and traveled to Italy many times. He loved Italian music and opera and maintained strong cultural ties through the Dante Alighieri Society in Cambridge and the North End Historical Society.

Even in his later years, Anthony remained active and vibrant, walking several miles a day around Melrose even into his 90s.

Anthony will be deeply missed but always remembered for his boundless dedication to his wife and family, his extraordinary and diverse career, his craftsmanship and creativity, and his steady faith.

Anthony was the beloved husband of Mary L. (DeLuca) Scapicchio with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Mark S. Scapicchio and his wife Cheryl Perry of Medfield, Steven S. Scapicchio of Melrose, Matthew A. Scapicchio and his wife Deborah of South Dennis, Anthony P. Scapicchio of Burlington, and Claudia M. Scapicchio of Melrose. He was the dear brother of the late Phyllis Freda, and cherished grandfather of Anna, Peter, Isabella, Domenic, and Angela. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to gather in honor of Anthony during Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose, on Sunday, August 10 from 2-6 p.m., and again on Monday, August 11 at 9:30 a.m. before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1055 Main St., Wakefield for his Funeral Mass celebrated at 10:30am. Interment with US Air Force honors will follow at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org, Tufts Medical Center www.tuftsmedicine.org/giving, or Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, www.tuftsmedicine.org/giving.