Obituary of James Vincent Scordato

James Vincent "Jim" Scordato of Tucson, died Wednesday, September 16, 2015, at the age of 92, surrounded by family and friends. He had a long, remarkable, colorful and adventurous life. Born in Paterson, NJ, on February 9, 1923, he grew up during The Great Depression. Jim and his brothers started the incredibly successful, Scordato's restaurant in Paterson in 1947. He married Ann Marie Petraglia of Denver, CO, in 1949 and in 1951 purchased a little horse farm for his family in Wayne, NJ. On the property he built a first class competition shooting range and hosted weekly matches attended by federal, state and local law enforcement officials. During this time he became one of the top shooters in New Jersey and a master marksman. He was so enamored with the country life, that in 1963, he purchased a 14,000 acre working cattle ranch in Duncan, AZ. During his time there, Jim became the town Marshal of Duncan. Thinking of his childrens' educational future, Jim decided to move his family to Tucson in 1967. The citizens of Duncan presented him with a letter of appreciation, signed by a large percentage of the town, for his outstanding service. Continuing his entrepreneurial spirit, Jim successfully owned and operated several Tucson businesses including the iconic Scordato's Restaurant west at Gates Pass. Because of poor health, Jim retired in 1980 and with doctors encouragement, embarked on a lifestyle change that transformed him into a model of physical fitness. His tenacity for life was renewed. Jim enjoyed success as an amateur body builder, hiker and rock climber. At an age when most people are slowing, Jim was accelerating and kept a feverish pace until again his health finally slowed him down at the age of 90. Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Ann Marie Petraglia Scordato and his brother, Richard Scordato. He is survived by three sisters, Margaret Thielke, Rose Ruitenberg and Grace Cervino; two brothers, Anthony and Joseph Scordato; daughter, Patricia; sons, James Jr., Joseph and Daniel; eight grandchildren and five great- grandchildren. At Jim's request, there will be a private family memorial service. In lieu of flowers donations can be made at boystown.org. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, AVALON CHAPEL.