Anthony J. Scala Sr. ’44

Anthony J. Scala Sr. ’44, P.E., former president of Lowy & Donnath, Inc., an electrical engineering construction firm, passed away on April 22, 2009. He was 85. Scala was a generous and longtime supporter of Manhattan and was deeply appreciative of the Christian Brothers.

Since childhood, when he helped his father in the family business on 231st Street and Broadway, he had always dreamed of owning a business. After graduating from Manhattan with an electrical engineering degree, Scala served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II. In 1947, he joined a small electrical contracting firm named Lowy & Donnath as an estimator and worked his way up to president and partner and made the firm one of the most respected electrical contractors in New York City.

He sent his five sons to Manhattan; three of whom (James ’75, Anthony Jr. ’74 and Christopher J. ’89) and two of his grandsons (Anthony III ’03 and Christopher W. ’05) graduated from the school of engineering. His granddaughter Victoria is a senior in the school, and son Anthony Jr. is currently president of Lowy & Donnath and a Manhattan College trustee.

Scala established two charitable remainder trusts that named Manhattan College as the recipient of each. With the establishment of the first trust, in 1997, he also gave a $1 million gift to the Ascend Manhattan Capital Campaign.

“I made the gift for one reason,” Scala said at the time. “It is my way of thanking all past, present and future Christian Brothers who staff Manhattan College. I want to say thank you for their devotion to teaching young people and for setting examples of honesty and integrity.”

Scala set a tremendous example himself, through his willingness to support the College and its students.

“His generosity through two campaigns helped transform the Manhattan College campus into a modern facility, equipped for the students of the 21st century,” says Thomas Mauriello, vice president for advancement at Manhattan College. “We are most grateful for the devotion and support he showed to the College.”

He showed the same devotion to the other aspects of his life as he did toward his alma mater.

“Anthony Scala Sr. was a faithful Catholic, devoted to his family, an involved alumnus, a valued advisor and good friend,” says Brother Thomas Scanlan, former president of Manhattan College.

Among his significant contributions to Manhattan are the establishment of the William J. Scala Academy Room in Leo Hall and the carillon in the Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers. Named in memory of his son William, a former student, the William J. Scala Academy Room is an auditorium equipped with audiovisual equipment and Internet access. Plaques lining the walls pay tribute to the 15 Manhattan College engineers who have been elected to the National Academy of Engineering. In 2004, Scala also dedicated the carillon tower, which chimes above the chapel, to his wife Helen, who had passed away.

Scala is survived by four sons, Anthony Jr., James, Peter and Christopher; their wives, Mary Ellen, Deborah, Joyce and Kerry, respectively; 13 grandchildren; and his wife, Jadwiga. He was predeceased by his wife Helen and his son William.