Donald ‘Donato’ Mauro Scatamacchia, 90, Veteran of Two Wars

Donald “Donato” Mauro Scatamacchia, 90, of Portsmouth, N.H., died Friday morning, June 26, at the Mark Wentworth Home in Portsmouth, N.H. He was the devoted husband, for 59 years, of the late Elaine A. (Renda) Scatamacchia, who passed away in 2008.

Born in Haverhill, October 26, 1924, he was the son of the late Mauro and Giovanna (Berlangieri) Scatamacchia and was a graduate of Haverhill Trade School.

Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving from Jan. 13, 1943 until his honorable discharge on Nov. 27, 1946. During his tour of duty in World War II, he and his fellow shipmates were proud to be part of the invasion of Normandy. Scatamacchia re-enlisted in the U. S. Navy, serving a second tour of duty during the Korean War, from Sept. 10, 1950 to Jan. 21, 1952. He often reflected on those years with much pride, respect and honor for those who served so bravely.

After retiring from Western Electric/AT&T, where he had worked more than 30 years as a product engineer, he remained an active member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, where he helped develop “Beep Ball” a sound-emitting soft ball for the blind. He was a lifelong member and past president of the Victor Emmanuel Lodge of the Sons of Italy of Haverhill. Scatamacchia also was a member of the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 38 out of Plum Island, Newburyport, where he was an instructor on boating safety.

He leaves his children: Gene D. Scatamacchia and his wife Kathleen of Hampton, N.H., Cathleen L. Marx and her husband Evan of Roslyn Heights, N.Y., Mary L. Scatamacchia and her husband Mark Conway of Lincoln, Marc S. Scatamacchia and his husband Daniel Spiess of Milwaukee, Wisc.; six grandchildren, Christopher and his wife Holly, Sarah, Andrew, Ali, James and Ciara;  great-grandson, Tyler; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

Visiting hours at the Monument Square Chapel of Paul C. Rogers Family-Carnevale Funeral Home, 334 Main St., Haverhill, will be Tuesday, June 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services at the funeral home will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. followed by interment in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers consider making a memorial gift in honor of Donald M. Scatamacchia to the Mark Wentworth Home, 346 Pleasant Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801.