Gary Scarpa

New London — Gary John Scarpa, 64, of New London, passed away Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, after a long hard fought battle with liver disease.

He was born March 20, 1952, in New London, the son of Nicholas Scarpa of New London and the late Rose (Galbo) Scarpa. Gary attended elementary schools in New London and graduated from St. Bernard High School in 1970. At St. Bernard, he excelled at football and was know for his brute strength and hard hitting. He was proud to be part of the 1969 team that won the biggest game in Saint’s history, a victory against New London, which had not lost a game since 1967; and in 1968, they were state champs, ranked 9th in the nation.

Gary loved to work and excelled at everything he did, including welding at Electric Boat, operating heavy equipment at his uncle’s recycling business and on a dairy farm in Canterbury.

In 1975, Gary bought an overgrown lot next to his childhood home. He transformed into a botanical showplace, growing perennials, annuals, fruit trees, grapes, and hundreds of vegetable plants.

He then sold to local restaurants and residents of New London’s Italian neighborhoods. In the mid 1980s, he started Quality Cleaning Service, a very successful office cleaning company.

He closed in 2003 so he could focus his full attention on his growing business, Colman Street Nursery. His annuals and hanging baskets were second to none. He passed on the business to his brother, Matt, in 2015 due to his failing health. Gary had many friends, he was impossible to dislike because he was real, down to earth and honest with everyone. He was incredibly helpful and generous to his family and friends, always offering to help, even when he really did not have it to give or regardless of his health mode, he never said the word no. St. Jude Children’s Hospital and The American Cancer Society, were among his favorite charities, and his favorite T.V. station was EWTN.

Gary will be missed by his family more than words can describe. His passing will leave a void in our hearts that can never be filled. We will never forget him for the love and generosity he showed us, and his strength and determination in life and in fighting his illness.

Besides his father, Gary is survived by three siblings, Ann Scarpa, Bruce Scarpa and Matthew Scarpa Sr.; his nieces, Megan Baker and husband, Zach, Natalie Palmer and Tandi Palmer; and nephew, Matthew Scarpa Jr.

He was predeceased by a brother, John David Scarpa.

Family and friends are asked to gather for a memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Friday, in St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 10 Huntington St., New London. Interment to follow in St. Mary Cemetery.

The Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London, has been entrusted with his care.