Francis Paul Scalzi Sr., 96, husband of Joan Belcourt Scalzi, died June 16 at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Meriden on Feb. 19, 1925, he was the son of the late Andrew and Fannie (Tomassetti) Scalzi. He was a lifelong Meriden and Old Saybrook resident and graduated from Cheshire Academy and Lehigh University School of Engineering.
In January 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he bravely served four years with the South Atlantic Fleet. After World War II, Paul returned to Lehigh where he served as president and founder of Theta Kappa Phi (TKP) and earned his degree in engineering. Upon his graduation, Paul returned home to Meriden and became president of the Meriden Yellow Cab Co. During his 40-year career, Paul served four terms as president of the Connecticut Taxicab Association and two terms as a Board of Directors member with the International Taxicab Association. In the mid-1960s, he pioneered alternative transportation methods for Meriden school children who were physically and/or mentally challenged. These same methods were copied nationally and are still utilized today. He retired in 1989.
During his lifetime, Paul Scalzi served on numerous boards and committees that include 20 years on the Board of Directors for the Meriden Trust and Safety Deposit Bank and The Bradley Home. He was chairman of the Republican Town Committee, commissioner of the Meriden Police Department, and president of the Kiwanis Club and participated in many more civic and community organizations.
Besides his wife of 68 years, he is survived by his daughter Linda Kranich and her husband Edward; his two sons, Jonathan Scalzi and his wife Kathleen (Kravitz) and William Scalzi and his wife Isabelle (Mekies); his six grandchildren, Paul, Elise, Katharine, Edward, Erik, and Jeremy; his four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Francis Paul Scalzi Jr., his grandson Bradford Charles Scalzi, and his siblings.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated June 18 at Our Lady Queen of Angels, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Campus, Meriden. Burial was private. Arrangements were under the direction of the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, Meriden. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com.
