Oswaldo “Ozzie” Scassa, 92, passed away on November 19th, 2024.
He was born in Poggio d’ Roio, Provencia of L’Aquila, Italy to the late Domenic and Maria (Equizi) Scassa, In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Assunta Italia Scassa of Poggio d’ Roio, Provencia of L’Aquila, Italy, a brother and sister-in-law, John and Philomena Scassa of Monaca, and niece, Mary Bozic, also of Monaca. He is survived by two sisters, Mary Jane (Martin) Fischer of Peoria, Arizona and Dora Linda Calkins of Lewistown, Pennsylvania and loving nieces and nephews: Carol (Michael) Decanini, Domenic (Shelly) Scassa, Valarie (John) Ammerman, Debi (Bob) Bird, Blair (Kate) Ward, Richard (Carrie) Calkins III, John Domenic(Elise) Calkins, Christina (Mark) Mazur.
Oswaldo moved to Monaca in 1936 and was a Monaca High School graduate. After being drafted by the US Army, Ozzie served during the Korean conflict as a Sergeant and served duty at Spandau Prison. As a metal worker and craftsman, he worked in Shippingport, at the Beaver Valley Nuclear Generating station. He was also employed by Local 712 of the I.B.E.W, and had many professions including iron worker, cement finisher, welder, and electrician.
Oswaldo loved to travel and had varied interests including woodworking and car collecting. He was known as a sharp dresser who loved to fix things and was always willing to help a friend or family in need. An example of his metal work and willingness to help is demonstrated in the project he undertook for the commemoration of the first Mass said in the then new Beaver County in 1749. He also created a crucifix and altar candlesticks for the interfaith and the bicentennial mass said on June 13th, 1976, for a crowd estimated as high as 40,000 people.
A special thank you goes to the kind and caring staff of Apple Blossom Senior Living and Gallagher Hospice. A special thank you also goes to Fr. Frank Kurimsky, Pastor of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. Please include Fr. Frank in your prayers as well as his Church.
In accordance with Oswaldo’s wishes, funeral arrangements will be private. Services were entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.