Charles J Scanzello

Charles J. Scanzello, 80, formerly of Kutztown, died Saturday, October 31, 2015, in Wyncote, PA. He was the husband of Dr. Angela M. Scanzello whom he married June 30, 1962.

Born in Bethlehem, PA on March 18, 1935, he was a son of the late Michael and Catherine (Votral) Scanzello.  He was a parishioner of Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Kutztown. Charles held a B.S. in Music Education from West Chester State Teachers College, an M.A. in English Education from Lehigh University, and an M.Ed in Music from Temple University. A life-long music educator, Mr. Scanzello began his teaching career in 1957 at Bethlehem Area School District and Moravian College, before joining the faculty at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania until his retirement in 1996. At KU, Charlie was Associate Director of Bands and interim conductor of the University Orchestra. He organized recorder ensembles that entertained at many University and community functions, and was the faculty sponsor of the Renaissance Club. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he composed music for several plays presented by the University drama department.  In 1977, he received the Outstanding Teaching Award from the University Faculty.

Charlie was also an enthusiastic poet, especially of Japanese Haiku. Many of his poems were published in national and international journals.  In 1973, he published his own book of seasonal haiku. In addition to his poetic proclivities, Charlie was a talented and popular accordionist in the Lehigh Valley and Berks County, entertaining at the Kutztown Folk Festival, local senior centers, area restaurants, private parties and church functions.

He is survived by Wife, of 53 years, Angela; Sons, Mark C. husband of Cindy (Harry) Scanzello, Chambersburg, PA, Michael A. husband of Nancy (Bowe) Scanzello, Cambridge, WI; Daughter, Dr. Carla R. Scanzello wife of Christopher Ellis, Elkins Park, PA. Other survivors include Sister, Lucille (Scanzello) Messina, Langhorne, PA; Brother, Michael Scanzello, Scottsdale, AZ; and Grandchildren, Charles K. Scanzello, Michael Johnson, Sadie Ellis and Matilda Ellis.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 3, 2015, at 10:30 AM from Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 14833 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, with The Reverend Monsignor Walter T. Scheaffer, as celebrant.  Entombment will follow in Hope Cemetery Mausoleum, Kutztown. Friends may call Tuesday morning from 8:30 to 10:30 AM in the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Charlie's memory to the Music Scholarship Fund of Kutztown University, 15197 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, PA 19530. Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Kutztown, PA.