Michael Scala ... longtime restaurateur; at 82

SANBORNVILLE - Michael F. Scala, Jr., 82, of Sanbornville, died on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Wentworth- Douglass Hospital after a brief illness.

He was born July 15, 1941, in Rochester, the son of Michael Sr. and Mary (Scrima) Scala.

Mike graduated from Spaulding High School, Class of 1959 and the Maine Maritime Academy in 1964 with a Bachelors Degree in Marine engineering. He married his high school sweetheart Marie DePalma in 1964.

After sailing for American Export, he opened Scala's Sub Shop in Rochester then expanded to Somersworth, Dover, Sanford, Westbrook Maine, Rochester Fair and the Globe Shopping Center.

Later, they expanded to Inn Town Restaurant in Rochester with family members; Pete and his wife Marion Scala; sister, Marianne Douglas and her husband Richard.

Mike worked in the car business for Ron Currier, Dick Poulin, and Dick Lifton. During this time he was awarded Salesman of the Month three years in a row.

In 1989, he opened Marie's Restaurant in Oqunquit, Maine and Fisherman's Net in Kennebunk, Maine. In 1993 he opened "Close to Home" Restaurant in his home town of Sanbornville and ran it for 24 years. He also ran the Kingswood Country Club Restaurant in Wolfeboro and Province Lake Country Club each for two summers. He managed these operations with the help of his wife Marie and sons, Michael, Dino and Nicholas.

Mike loved the Patriots especially Tom Brady, Coast of Maine, cooking, reading books about the sea, horror movies, and time with his family. He loved God.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Marie, sons, Michael IV, Dino and his wife Pam, Nicholas; 5 grandsons, Joseph, John, Thomas, Carmine and Rocco; his sister, Marianne Douglas; brother-in-law, Jim DePalma and his wife Myra and many nieces and nephews.