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Thomas Scalese Sr., 94, of Sinking Spring, passed away July 1, 2018, in StoneRidgeTown Centre, Myerstown.

He was the beloved husband of Minerva E. (Miller) Scalese, with whom he celebrated 67 years of marriage.

Born in Kent, OH, he was the son of the late John and Santa (Lamacchia) Scalese.

Tom was a 1942 graduate of Wilson High School.

He was a United States Air Force veteran serving during World War II.He was shot down over the Ploesti Oil Fields in Romania on his first mission during World War II at the age of 19. After bailing out at 25,000 feet in 20 degrees below zero weather,with having had no instructions on how to use a parachute, he encountered several villagers who came after him with pitchforks and shovels. When they discovered he was an ”Americano” they thought he was there to liberate them from the Germans. He was then discovered by the Germans and was held as a prisoner of war for three months.

Tom was employed by Penn Optical as a tool room foreman for 40 years, until his retirement in 1986.

He was an avid bowler until the age of 90 averaging in the 170s. He also enjoyed fishing, pinochle, bocce, crossword and jig saw puzzles. Tom loved making all around him laugh and smile with his stories.

In addition to his wife, he is also survived by his two children, Thomas Jr., husband of Mary Scalese, Sinking Spring, and Mary A. Staley, wife of Troy Denzer. He is also survived by his two grandchildren, Kimberly A. Staley and Emma L. Scalese.

Tom was predeceased by his eight siblings, Ralph, Tony, Joe, Vincent "Jimmy", Rudy, Raymie, Frankie, and Rosina.

A celebration of his life will be held in the family home on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. (casual dress). For more information please contact the Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Inc., West Reading, 739 Penn Ave., West Reading at 610-374-5440. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.