Obituary of Dennis Joseph Scalise

Dennis Joseph "Denny" Scalise, 67, of State College passed away on July 11, 2017 at home. Born on March 8, 1950, in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Joseph J. and Rita Conicella Scalise. On March 27, 1976 he married Katie Garvin, who survives. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sisters, Rosemarie Williams of Doylestown and Joanne Rush of Valrico, Florida; sister in law, Jane Frantz of Pittsburgh; brother in law Jim Garvin of Edinboro and sister in law, Lynn Scalise of Hayes, VA. He will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews, especially Joseph Williams of Vicenza, Italy. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, George J. Scalise. After graduating from Holy Cross High School in Riverside New Jersey in 1968, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the Navy as a communications technician from 1968 until 1972 in Adak Alaska, San Miguel Philippines, and Winter Harbor, Maine. Denny was in charge of the Data Analyzing Department at Fort Apache, Philippines and received A Meritorious Citation for Intelligence Surveillance and Communication during the Vietnam War. After four and half years of military service, Denny moved to State College and was employed by HRB Singer (Raytheon) from 1968 until 1998 as a Computer Systems Analyst. In 1998 until retirement in 2011 Denny worked at Stanford Research Institute (SRI) in State College. He was a dedicated professional and was awarded a Letter of Commendation from the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in 2005 for The Poppy Electronic Satellite Reconnaissance Program during the Cold War, commonly known as Siss Zulu Operation Denny was a mentor and friend to many. His patience, kindness, generosity and willingness to lend a helping hand to others will not be forgotten. Denny was selfless always placing others first. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, working around his property, and playing with his dog, Meiko. He was an avid reader of WWII history, researcher of rare and historic guns, driver of fine automobiles and a precise woodworker. Visitation will be from 2 until 4 p.m., on Sunday, July 16, 2017 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to The Geisinger Health Foundation, 100 N Academy Ave, Danville, PA 17822 or by visiting www.geisinger.org/about-geisinger/geisinger-foundation/make-a-gift. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.