Dr. Aletha Scarangello
February 5, 1935 - January 19, 2020
Dr. Aletha Scarangello, 84, of Newark, died on January 19, 2020, in Brooklyn, NY, at the home of her daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Anthony Scarangello; her parents, Walter and Carrie Pitts; brother, Charles Pitts I; and nephew Charles Pitts II. She is survived by her son, Anthony Scarangello II of Elkton, MD and April Hall of Newark, DE; daughter, Felicia Scarangello and husband, John Chidiac, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; grandchildren, Lora Scarangello, Jackson Chidiac, and Ozzie Chidiac; and niece, Aida Pitts.
Born in Portageville, MO, in 1935, she attended Sikeston High School in Sikeston, MO. She received her A.A from Gulf Park College for Women, her B.S from Louisiana State University, her Masters from the University of Delaware, and PhD from the University of Pennsylvania.
She had a long teaching career, first as an elementary school teacher, then Assistant Professor at University of Delaware and later as a social studies teacher at Gauger (now Gauger-Cobbs) Middle School in Newark. She wrote Introduction to Delaware: The State That Started A Nation, which was used as a textbook in many Delaware elementary schools.
Aletha was awarded the Mary Lou Polk Memorial award in 1986, the Christina School District Teach-Historian Award in 1989 & The American Assoc. of University Women Fellowship Award. She was an active member of many groups, including, Delta Delta Delta alumnae (alumnae president twice), AAUW, NCS, CSEA, DSEA, NEA, Gourmet Group and Newark Senior Center’s Water Babies.
As a lover of history, geography and adventure, she often traveled the globe, sometimes with her daughter, sometimes with friends. If no one was available to join, that never stopped her; she’d travel solo with tour groups, where often strangers became friends. That was her nature; she had an independent spirit. Aletha was kind, fun and patient. She loved and was loved.
A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM on Sunday February 9, 2020, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Newark Senior Center, 200 White Chapel Drive, Newark, DE 19711 or to Newark Library, 750 Library Avenue, Newark, DE 19711.
NEWARK SENIOR CENTER POOL
ALETHA WE ALWAYS HAD FUN IN POOL-YOU WERE DOWN TO EARTH AND MOTIVATED US-ENJOYED TIMES WE SPENT IN POOL AND WISDOM YOU PROJECTED-YOU WERE A CLASSY LADY AND FUN—SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO FAMILY-FRIENDS. THANKS FOR ALL GOOD TIMES…. RIP
Christopher Distefano
Dear Anthony & Family,
Deepest sympathies to you at this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love from the Distefano Family
Ted Bojarski
Anthony and Felicia,
I grieve on your behalf for the loss of your mother. She was always a special person in the times I met her over the years. Please cherish the memories and continue her love for history. I never knew that she wrote a textbook on Delaware history, I would love to share a copy with my wife, as she teaches Delaware history to her fourth grade class. Anthony I could always tell the love you had for your mom anytime you mentioned her. Deepest condolences.
Ted Bojarski
MIKE DIGUGLIELMO
Anthony ….. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. May Peace be with you all now and always.
Mike DiGuglielmo
Beth Brockell Newman
I loved Mrs. Scarangello and her enthusiastic, generous spirit. I spent a lot of time at my dear friend Felicia’s house during my childhood and teen years and Mrs. Scarangello always made me feel welcome. And beyond that, she was always an enthusiastic participant in our fun, whether it was playing games, cooking, or taking us places: the beach, museums, concerts, shows, etc. She was always smiling and sharing her quick wit. I’m so grateful to have known her. She was an outstanding individual. All my love, Beth Brockell Newman
Kim & Dan Raff
Anthony,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was a very accomplished woman. May you find peace in her loving memories. We love you, Anthony. -Dan and Kim
Aida Pitts
Loves with you all family and praying.
Remember loves each other family.
Aunt Aletha Loves you and your family and friends!