Alfred Joseph Scarpello

Al’s heart of gold stopped beating on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at his home.  He was 96 years old.  Born in Philadelphia, PA on July 10, 1924, he was the son of the late Joseph and Edith (Scuibbi) Scarpello.

Al graduated from Germantown High School in 1941 and was drafted into the United States Army in 1943.  He proudly served with Company F, 119th Infantry Regiment 30th Division “Old Hickory”, having been stationed in the European Theatre, and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.  While on leave in London, Al met a beautiful girl, Doreen Collins, whom he married on March 5, 1951.  

Al graduated from Temple University School of Pharmacy in 1950 and opened his own store on Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia in 1961.  After closing his business, Al moved to Delaware and began a career with Thrift Drug, working in the Castle Mall location.  He ended his career with Rite Aid at the age of 86.  Al truly loved his profession.  As a “people person”, the interaction with his customers was what he enjoyed the most. 

His loving wife of 50 years, Doreen “Pat”, passed away on September 16, 2001.  Sadly, he was also predeceased by his son, Alfred G. Scarpello and his grandson, Michael Scarpello.  Al was the last surviving of his siblings, having been predeceased by his brothers, Alphonse, Vince, John and Nick.

Al is survived by his daughter, who lived with him, Margaret Roche (Dan); his son, Patrick Scarpello; his seven grandsons, Patrick Scarpello, Pete, Andrew, Ben and Danny Roche, Collin and Christian Scarpello; his granddaughter, Codi Scarpello and her fiancé, Seve; his two great grandchildren, McKinley Kate and Jack; several nieces and nephews.

Al was a faith filled man who was devoted to his family and the Blessed Mother.  He prayed a Novena every night to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal until he was no longer able.  His favorite saying was “Keep the Faith”, and Dad, we will!

The family would like to thank the aides, nurses and Dr. Dan of Seasons Hospice for their compassionate care of Dad.  A special thank you to Reverend Bill Lyons, whose visits brought great comfort to Dad.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 1900 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington on Thursday, January 21 from 5:00-7:00PM, or on Friday, January 22 from 9:30-10:30AM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 9th and DuPont Streets, Wilmington on Friday at 11:00AM, immediately followed by entombment in Cathedral Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Al may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 (www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org).

*PLEASE NOTE: Funeral arrangements for Al will be conducted in compliance with COVID-19 directives, which require mandatory face masks, social distancing and occupancy limits at the funeral home and church.

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