Resident of San Jose

Roy Scialabba, 83, of San Jose, CA, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. He was the beloved husband of the late Kathleen Scialabba, who predeceased him on February 22, 2014.

Roy was born in Westerly, RI, on December 9, 1941, to Alex and Felice Scialabba. At the age of 14, he moved with his father to San Bernardino, CA, where he attended San Bernardino High School. An accomplished athlete, Roy excelled in multiple sports, with a particular passion for football and baseball. He was honored as the SBHS Athlete of the Year during his senior year. He continued his athletic journey at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he played football while pursuing a degree in Physical Education. He also lettered in wrestling and was an All-American boxer for the Mustangs.

Roy was one of the 19 survivors of the tragic 1960 Cal Poly football team plane crash that claimed the lives of 22 individuals aboard in Toledo, Ohio, following a game against Bowling Green. For the past 60 years, a group of survivors has held annual reunions in June to commemorate their shared experience. It was at Cal Poly that Roy met the love of his life, Kathie McBride. Both graduated with degrees in Physical Education, were married in 1966, and shared a life dedicated to education, athletics, and family.

In 1969, Roy accepted a teaching position at Andrew Hill High School, where he also served as Head Wrestling Coach and Assistant Football Coach. Under his leadership, the Falcon wrestling program achieved remarkable success, capturing three Central Coast Section titles (1974, 1978, 1979) and a CIF State Team Championship in 1978.

He coached two individual CIF State Champions (Ricky Bracamonte in 1975 and George Achica in 1978), along with five State Placers, twelve CCS Champions, and fourteen CCS Placers during his tenure.

In the summer of 1980, Roy ventured into food sales, taking a sabbatical from teaching to become a founding partner in Northern California Food Sales. His success as a salesman contributed to the company becoming the largest food brokerage firm in Northern California. Roy retired from NCFS in 2003, but he remained active as a part-time consultant for various companies over the years. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling, playing golf, and sharing good meals with family and friends.

Roy is survived by his two children, Mike Scialabba (Gina) of San Jose, CA, and Deanna Dillon (Roger) of Mansfield, TX. He was a proud Poppy to four grandchildren, Dominic, Annalise, Rachel, and Alex. He will be dearly missed by his sister-in-law, Sharon Morgan, nieces Leslie, Gayle, Tracy, and Julie, as well as his extended McBride and Sposato families.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Santa Teresa Catholic Church, 794 Calero Ave, San Jose, CA, with a reception to follow.

Please wear Hawaiian attire to reflect Roy’s vibrant personality and love for the Hawaiian Islands. For online condolences, please visit [insert website]. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Roy’s name to the John Madden Football Center project or wrestling program at Cal Poly www.mustangathleticfund.com?