Pearl River Little League

21

Apr, 2023

Remembering Chuck Scarpulla - The first PRLL Player

Charles (Chuck) Scarpulla, who as a boy was the first player selected in the first player draft of the new Pearl River Little League in 1954, died on Tuesday of this week (April 18) at the age of 81. He became a star baseball and football player at Pearl River H.S. and at the University of Rhode Island (even drawing interest from the Green Bay Packers) and later coached football at PRHS and Ramapo H.S. (where he founded the football program and guided it for over 30 years). He served as Athletic Director at Ramapo H.S., Tappan Zee H.S. and Sleepy Hollow H.S. He has been inducted into the Halls of Fame at Ramapo H.S., Pearl River H.S. and the University of Rhode Island. In 1988 he was selected as the best male athlete ever produced by Pearl River H.S. He was above all dedicated to his family and a man of strong faith.

See Obituary below and use this link to see photos and articles concerning his life and accomplishments. (Note: Articles are better read on a computer monitor, as the images are too small to be read on a cell phone screen).

(Text of Obituary):

Charles “Chuck” Scarpulla , 81, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday April, 18th, 2023, while being surrounded by his family.

Chuck was born in Mount Vernon , NY on September 10, 1941 to the late Charles and Mary (Gabrione) Scarpulla. Chuck graduated from Pearl River High School in 1959.

Chuck lived a long, happy life and died peacefully after a long battle with prostate cancer. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Ann Scarpulla, his five children, Laurie(Vincent) Mayernik, Lisa (Thomas) Calabro, Lynn (Christopher) West, Melissa(Andre) McCormick. Chuck (Fiona) Scarpulla. He was a beloved Pop Pop to Jessica and Joe (Erin) Mayernik, Christopher (Lexy) and Taylor West, Nicole and Mason Ladlee, Michael, Matthew and Thomas Calabro, and Payton,Gavin Scarpulla and Khyan Gaddy.

Chuck also leaves behind his dear sister and brother-in-laws, Helen Jean and Pat O'Gorman and Phyllis Chalsen, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and a multitude of friends who loved him very much. He is predeceased by his Father and Mother Charles and Mary Scarpulla.

Chuck served his community and his Church in many ways. He was committed to St. Ann Catholic Church, in Nyack, serving as a Eucharistic Minister Chuck and Maryann also became involved in Marriage Encounter, serving as a team couple and giving weekends.

Chuck was a three sport Athlete at Pearl River High School and a two sport athlete at University of Rhode Island. He lettered in both baseball and football at URI, capturing All-East football honors in 1962 and All-New England and All-Conference plaudits in 1961 and 1962. He was All-Conference in baseball in 1962-63. He was recruited by multiple NFL and MLB teams, but he chose to complete his masters at Ithaca College. On what would have been his graduation day from Ithaca, he married the love of his life.

He went on to coach football at Pearl River High School for 2 years, then to Ramapo High School for over 30 years. He established the Ramapo High School football team and coached for 16 years. He was the face of Ramapo High School Football. He compiled a record of 85-40-3 He was asked to become Athletic Director at Ramapo in 1973. He was a three-time Rockland Athletic League football Coach of the Year and was inducted into the Rockland County Sports Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Pearl River Hall of Fame in 1989. He is considered the best male athlete to ever come out of Pearl River High School. He was inducted into the University of Rhode Island Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2018 he was honored by being the first inductee into the Ramapo High school hall of fame. His proudest coaching moment came in 2022 when he was given the Ralph Cordisco LifeTime Coaching Achievement Award in 2022. With all of his individual achievements his greatest achievement according to Chuck without a doubt was his family.

Our family would like to thank hospice for all the support and care given to Chuck during his time at home allowing his remaining time to be comfortable, peaceful, and full of family and friends.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Hannemann Funeral Home Inc

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Funeral Home website, www.hannemannfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Helping Hands, PO Box 240, Nyack, NY 10960: St Ann’s Food Cupboard,16 Jefferson St., Nyack, NY 10960

Friends may call at St Ann’s Church, on Monday, April 24, from 4-8pm, Tuesday 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A celebration of life will be held on April 26th at 11 AM at St. Ann's Church, Nyack, NY.

Pearl River Little League

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21

Apr, 2023

Remembering Chuck Scarpulla - The first PRLL Player

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