Visitation
Funeral Mass
Interment
Obituary of Gaetano Scutaro
Gaetano Scutaro, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home in New Rochelle on July 7, 2025, with his devoted wife by his side. He was 103 years old.
Gaetano was born on February 15, 1922, in Civita, Italy, to Francesco and Maria Teresa (née Gioia) Scutaro. Shortly after his birth, his father emigrated to the United States to escape fascism. In 1928, Gaetano and his mother joined him in Harlem, New York, where his siblings, Joseph and Catherine, were later born.
Grateful for the opportunity to grow up in a city rich with educational promise, Gaetano was determined to make the most of it. While working in his father’s cabinet-making business, he excelled academically—graduating first in his class from Stuyvesant High School. His education was interrupted by World War II, during which he served proudly in the U.S. Army. After the war, he enrolled at Columbia University’s School of Architecture, once again graduating at the top of his class and earning the prestigious William Kinne Fellows Memorial Traveling Fellowship, which took him back to Italy.
That six-month fellowship became a decade-long adventure that profoundly shaped his life. In Italy, he worked on the film Ben-Hur, contributed to NATO projects through Pedersen & Tilney, and formed lasting friendships. Most importantly, he met the love of his life, Ines. He always said he knew instantly that she was “the one.” He proposed 7 months after their first meeting.
Gaetano and Ines began their life together in Milan, where they welcomed their first two children, Maria Luisa and Francesco. When his firm closed its Milan office, the family returned to New York, settling in New Rochelle, where their third child, Ester, was born.
In 1976, Gaetano realized a dream: he designed and built the family’s home in Larchmont, with Ines at his side every step of the way. That house would be their home for 36 years—a warm, welcoming place filled with music, books, lively conversation, and endless love. Gaetano had a scholar’s mind and an insatiable curiosity, always eager to discuss history, politics, art, and more.
Professionally, Gaetano spent 22 years at General Foods, traveling extensively to manage projects across the country while always putting family first—often commuting home on weekends and even moving the family to California twice to share in the experience. They often traveled by car to see the West and spend time with friends and family. Ever the student, and teacher he took the opportunity to show his family everything he could.
After retiring in 1988, he soon found himself bored and returned to work at architectural firm Schumacher & Forelle, and later, took a position with the City University of New York, where he beat out more than 100 applicants to oversee projects across 17 campuses. He retired—truly—for the final time in 1998.
Retirement never slowed him down. He generously lent his expertise to friends and family, serving as general contractor, handyman, dog-sitter, grocery-runner, and all-around problem solver. Nothing gave him more joy than picking up Ines at the train station each evening.
Gaetano faced health challenges in retirement—overcoming colon, prostate, and skin cancer with courage and resilience. His greatest joy came in becoming a grandfather to Jack and Nick, in whom he took boundless pride and delight.
He was a man of quiet brilliance, physical strength, and deep humility. Though he claimed not to have hobbies, he mastered every pursuit he tried. He often credited his longevity to espresso, red wine, plenty of bread and cheese—and most of all, marrying a younger woman.
Gaetano lived a life filled with love, purpose, and gratitude. He will be remembered for his integrity, intellect, compassion, and unwavering devotion to family. His example lives on in those who loved him.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ines; his children Maria (Terry), Frank (Julie), and Ester; his grandchildren Jack and Nick, his sister Catherine; and many cherished relatives and friends.
Visiting hours will be held on July 10, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at John J. Fox Funeral Home, 2080 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, NY. A Funeral Mass will take place on July 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Pius X Church, 91 Secor Road, Scarsdale, NY, with interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 95 Kings Highway, New Rochelle, NY.