Richard Scalo, Former State Senator And City Attorney, Dies At 89

Former State Senator Richard Scalo who served as city attorney during the mayoral administration of Lenny Paoletta passed away last week. He was 89.

His obituary from Spear-Miller Funeral Home:

Richard S. Scalo, age 89, of Easton, CT, passed away on December 5, 2023. He was married to the late Barbara Hyde Scalo for 58 years until her passing in 2017.

Born May 8, 1934, in Bridgeport CT, he was the son of the late Sebastian and Ida (Cerrano) Scalo. Richard was a graduate of Central High School, ’52, Boston University, ’61 and The University of Connecticut School of Law, J.D. ’63.

An officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve who attained the rank of Commander. He was a Navy Fighter Pilot who proudly served his country until retiring in 1994.

Richard was an Attorney in Bridgeport for more than 60 years. Primarily in private practice at the law firm of Gordon & Scalo. At times he also was a Public Defender and the Bridgeport City Attorney.

He had a long involvement in CT politics, most notably being elected to the State Senate (District 22) ’73-’74 and serving as Chairman of the Easton Board of Ethics.

Richard was a CT Audubon Society Board Member. For their generosity in helping to preserve Sachem’s Ridge at Bent of the River, Southbury, CT, the Audubon Society thanked them by naming the Richard and Barbara Scalo Scenic Overlook and Scalo’s Trail in their honor.

Besides being an aviator, he loved boating and spending time on Cape Cod. An avid sports fan he enjoyed following, at times, the NY Yankees, Giants and Knicks and most of all the UConn Huskies women’s basketball team.

Always quick to laugh, Richard led a rich, rewarding life. He was steadfast and could always be counted on by family and friends. He will be sorely missed.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Lynne and his son Steven, his sister Laura and brother in-law George Palmer as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and colleagues.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday December 18, 2023, at 11AM at Southport Congregational Church Chapel, 524 Pequot Ave., Southport, CT. The Interment will be held immediately following the service in the Southport Congregational Church Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CT Audubon Society.