Victor A. Scelzo

Victor Anthony Scelzo, passed away, in his sleep on his 80th birthday.
Born in the Bronx, he graduated from Morris High School where teachers recognized his intelligence and put him in the advanced English class. His fellow students called him, “the professor!”
He spent a year in college, before enlisting in the Marines, during the Vietnam War. Thankfully, he wasn’t on the front lines! He earned the rank of Corporal.
Victor returned to college, after his service, CCNY, graduating with a BS in Science.
A friend recommended he apply with the top company, Unisys, and he worked for Unisys for 30 years, as a trouble shooter.
Victor loved learning new things, and his interests were many: he enjoyed playing tennis, for about 10 years. He joined a hiking club, eventually becoming its president, The Urban Trail Conference. He sang in the Immaculate Conseption Church Choir, with his friend Anthony, and taught a Catechism class for children, for many years, devising interesting ways to hold their attention.
Victor had a deep passion for plants and raised many from seed. He taught a plant class at Van Cortlandt Senior Center and was always happy and willing to take the time, to give plant advice, to whoever asked!
Late in life he met a kindred soul in Lucy Degidon, and together, they sang, took walks in nature, shared dinners together, for the last 17 years.
In these last weeks he enjoyed walking from his home to Yonkers, eating a sandwich from 7-11, and walking home, doing one hike with his hiking club, around Orchard Beach. And was thrilled to find a little used trail, at the Bronx Zoo, on Wednesdays!
Victor is survived by his partner, Lucy Degidon, her sons, Sean and Kevin, Sister in-law Sarah, and Granddaughter Moira.
His cousins: Pat Benzenberg
Her daughters, Margie Stroffolino, Jennie Edwards, James Philipps, and his brother, Robert Phillipps
Victor’s beautiful giving spirit will never die, living on in all who knew him.

Lucy Degidon - Loving partner