Michael Scala 1951-2024

Michael was born on April 16, 1951, in Warren, a son of Anthony N. and Elodia Butch Scala.

Michael shared his talents with everyone and lived in Warren all his life. He was selected by the National Science Foundation to study science at the University of North Dakota where he spent most of summer 1967. That same year, he attended the National Junior Achievement Conference where he placed second in the nation in a public speaking contest. With those awards, plus the steelworkers scholarship from his father’s union based on his ACT score and summer work in the steel mills after his graduation from Warren G. Harding High School, Michael was able to attend the University of Notre Dame, where he was selected to spend his sophomore year in Europe. Upon graduation from Notre Dame and the University of Akron School of Law, he returned to Warren and began his legal practice.

Michael had a very prominent 47-year career including serving as prosecutor in Warren Municipal Court and Girard Municipal Court. All the while, he kept his private practice with personal injury and domestic work. He often represented single mothers who were in trouble with their children, as he believed the Children Services Board treated single mothers too harshly.

Michael appeared in front of the Supreme Court of Ohio twice and won both cases. For his clients, he also received some of the few directed verdicts or acquittals ever issued by Trumbull County judges.

However, his greatest satisfaction truly came from his wife, the former Michele Hanuschak, whom he married in 1980; and their daughter, Dr. Natalie M. Scala, who is now a full professor at Towson University in Maryland and the author of two books. Michael was a democratic precinct committeeman for many years. Michael faced his final diagnosis with the same cold intrepidation that characterized his life and legal practice.

He is survived by his wife; his daughter; and his sister, Bella Goehring.

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral Mass for Michael, which will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish-Blessed Sacrament Church, 3020 Reeves Road NE, Warren, OH 44483, with the Rev. Christopher Cicero presiding.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in Michael’s name, to Towson University Foundation, attention Empowering Secure Elections. This fund supports data-driven research on voter access, election integrity and democracy.

Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book, and send condolences to the Scala family.

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