Obituary of Robert V. Scalera, DDS

Dr. Robert V. Scalera of Peapack, died at his home on Sunday, December 19, 2010 with his wife JoAnn of 48 years at his side. Dr. Scalera was born June 5, 1932 in Newark, the youngest of eight children of the late Vito and Maria Scalera. Dr. Scalera was a graduate of Barringer High School, received his Bachelor of Science and a Master's Degree in Micro-Paleontology from Rutgers University, and was bestowed his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Temple University School of Dentistry in June of 1959. He practiced dentistry for 49 years in Scotch Plains from 1959 until his retirement in 2008. In addition to private practice, he served as the School Dentist for the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education from 1962-1981. He was a member of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Rotary Club since 1961 and served as President in 1967 and 1968. He also was the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award, Rotary's highest honor. Dr. Scalera was also the Chairman and Trustee for the Rotary-Garbe Foundation from 1994-2009 responsible for awarding scholarships to Scotch Plains and Fanwood students. He was a charter member of Enterprise Bank and served on its Board of Directors. In his spare time Dr. Scalera enjoyed the outdoors from the mountain ski slopes to sailing the ocean blue and spending time with his family at his pool. Predeceased by his parents, brothers John and Frank and his sisters Edith, Lynette, Rosalie and Jetta. Surviving is his wife JoAnn; son Robert V. Scalera, Jr. and his wife Cindy; daughter Lisa Scalera; son David Scalera and his wife Michelle; son Matthew Scalera and his wife Shelby; daughter Dorianne Horvath and her husband Steve; sister Marietta;12 grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, December 22nd at 9:15 a.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd. Watchung, followed by a Mass of Resurrection at 10:30 a.m. at St. Brigids R.C. Church in Peapack. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Basking Ridge. Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 21st from 2-4 & 7-9. Donations maybe made to: The Smile Train, PO Box 96231, Washington, D.C. 20090-6231.