Christopher N. Scarcella

December 28, 1964 - March 18, 2026

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Obituary for Christopher N. Scarcella

Christopher “Chris” Scarcella passed away peacefully at his second home, The Cordwainer, on March 18, 2026 after a long illness. He was surrounded by his family and his family of caregivers. Even as his body was shutting down, he still said “I love you” to everyone who entered his room.

Chris was born on December 28, 1964 to Judith and Angelo Scarcella of Needham, MA, and grew up beside siblings Brenda O’Donnell, Kyle Bradford, Frank Bradford (Penny), Jennifer (John) Brown, Stephen Scarcella, Lindsay (Tim) Anderson, and Tom Strausborger (Rita). Chris gained a second mom when Angelo married Caryn. Chris was a gentle child with a kind spirit. He loved wrestling and football. Chris studied marketing at the University of Maine at Orono before working at MFS Investments, where he worked for 25 years.

Chris’ life changed forever when he was out one night and approached Marguerite Hamel-Nardozzi to say hi. Upon seeing this young-looking man, Marguerite said “Hi. I’m 35 and have three kids.” Without a moment’s hesitation, Chris responded, “I like kids.” This began a love story that lasted more than three decades. Chris was a tender, kind, patient husband to Marguerite and an incredible dad to their three boys, Jack, Rob, and Ben. At only 28, Chris embraced a life full of spit balls and hockey and laughter and chaos. And Chris was thrilled to marry into Marguerite’s big family and become one of the outlaws, easily fitting into the Hamel siblings and spouses—Ginny Hamel and Sandy Kirchner, Julie and Bob Stanton, Joanne and Hugh Bonner, Betsy and Phil Lussier, and Bob and Eileen Hamel. Chris quickly became known as Coo Coo Chris to more nieces and nephews than we could list here—Chris loves you all so much.

Chris enjoyed watching his family grow and welcomed his in-laws, Cait, Hilary, and Andy, with open arms. Chris’ most cherished title was Papa. Chris loved his grandchildren—Riley, Liliana, and William. His time with you watching Frozen, playing balloon tennis, having dance parties, and singing your favorite songs filled him with so much joy. Papa loves you always.

Chris faced incredible hardship in illness and had to give up a great deal over his life. Chris navigated every loss with grace and generosity. Chris donated his time to countless studies and advocated for medical funding, even when it was clear progress would not help him. Chris’ last gift was donating his organs to scientific research in hopes it would help generations to come.

When Chris was no longer able to work, he dedicated his time and talents to volunteering at Make a Wish, granting wishes and creating their miles for wishes program. Chris loved making children’s dreams come true.

Chris had many adventures throughout his life. Growing up, Chris enjoyed their family trips to York Maine and the White Mountains in New Hampshire. As an adult, Chris looked forward to taking winter trips with Lindsay to see their parents in Lauderdale by the Sea. He cherished regular trips with Marguerite to The Balsams and Kennebunkport and visiting Ben and Andy in Minneapolis. Chris loved the sibling trip to Umbria, Italy and the reunion dinners that followed. Chris enjoyed huge holiday parties that ended in full-family dance parties to Bruce Springsteen.

Marguerite remained a loving spouse to Chris as she also became his devoted caretaker. As his illness progressed, they chose The Cordwainer as Chris’ new home, with Marguerite visiting Chris every day. Chris embraced this change and always saw the good. On his first night away from their home, Chris called Marguerite to wish her a good night. “Marg, it’s like a five-star hotel here.” Chris learned the name of every caregiver and resident at his new home, greeting every person with a hug. As Chris’ body weakened, his loving spirit only strengthened. He was almost always heard describing everything as “awesome.” Chris’ legacy of love was on full display in his final weeks when his room was often described as “Grand Central Station” because of how many people were coming to thank Chris for his goodness and express their love for him. Even when he could no longer walk or say more than a few words, Chris’ love was palpable. Chris’ family is so grateful to all the angels at The Cordwainer who upheld Chris’ dignity and cared for him with such love and devotion.

Chris was loved by so many who have gone before him. We hope his faithful dog Sammy led the crowd waiting to embrace Chris.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Agatha Church, 432 Adams Street, Milton, Monday, March 23, 2026, at 10:30 AM. Family and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 2-6 PM. Interment Milton Cemetery.

Donations in Chris’ name can be made to The Make a Wish Foundation.

Chris leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness. He lives forever in the hearts he has touched and in the good he inspires. Chris, thank you for being so awesome. Wait for us and we will wait for you.

Live Stream

Services

22 Mar

Visiting Hours

02:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services- DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS 1140 Washington Street Dorchester, MA 02124 Get Directions »
23 Mar

Mass of Christian Burial

10:30 AM

Saint Agatha Church 432 Adams Street Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
23 Mar

Interment

11:30 AM

Milton Cemetery 211 Centre Street Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Tributes

  • 10 TREES

    Carol Norod planted 10 trees in memory of Christopher N. Scarcella . - March 20, 2026

Condolences

  • June 11, 2026

    Nadine Marlowe

    I worked with Chris at MFS. He was smart, kind and funny. He absolutely adored his family. I hope you find comfort in your memories of him.

  • March 27, 2026

    Jeanne Bello

    Dear Marguerite, I was very sorry to hear about Chris's passing. I remember you telling me about the first time you met him. His smile truly lit up a room. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys during this difficult time.

  • March 26, 2026

    Suzanne Beatty

    Dear Marguerite, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Meeting you and Chris at the Cordwainer was such a blessing. The love of Chris and your commitment to him is something I will never forget. Chris was a beautiful man and soul and you are both forever in my thoughts and prayers. God bless, take care of yourself. What a beautiful love story you and Chris wrote. Never to be forgotten .. Suzanne Beatty

  • March 22, 2026

    Ray Scalia

    I did not know Chris, but, I played ball with his father and reading his obituary I can only imagine what a great son and father he was. I want to offer heartfelt condolences to Angelo and all Chris' family, friends and relatives. Rest-In-Peace

  • March 22, 2026

    Tom Nicholson

    Dear Angie and Family I'm so very sorry to learn of the loss of your extraordinary and loving son whom I feel like I knew from the touching tribute I just read. Sincerely Tom Nicholson ( from the Bostonians)

  • March 22, 2026

    Lester A Gore

    Angelo, Barbara and I are so very sorry to hear of the passing of your dear son, Christopher. May his memory be a blessing. Les + Barbara Gore

  • March 22, 2026

    Susan and Bill Bell

    Rest in peace Chris. I had a good fortune of meeting you at the Cordwainer over the past couple of months. You're inspirational. Blessings to you, Marguerite, your children, family and all our dear friends. With love and admiration, Susan and Bill Bell

  • March 22, 2026

    Marlene- lynn west

    I will miss u chris my son was named after u rip n I love u always even time a has passed u r always family to me

  • March 20, 2026

    Paul Murphy

    Chris and I graduated together from Needham High. We played on the lacrosse team together and he was a good friend and a great teammate. My deepest condolences to his family. We lost a good man too soon. RIP Chris.

  • March 20, 2026

    Steven DeFalco

    I went to school with Christopher and he was in my graduating class. My condolences to the family. He was a standout guy. Steven DeFalco

  • March 20, 2026

    Susan Grebber

    To Stephen and Family I went to Needham High School with Stephen and graduated in 1985. My deepest condolences on the passing of Christopher who I also knew from Needham High. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Susan Grebber

  • March 19, 2026

    Janet Whalen

    I will miss Chris. He was a truly special person that touched so many lives. I am saddened to hear of his passing. RIP Chris....Janet

  • March 19, 2026

    Kayla Pitre

    I wish that i could have had some more time with you in my life. But you were such a great uncle. I love all of my memories that I have had with you when I was a young child. I am so sorry that you and our family are going through such a rough time. I love and miss you. Rest in peace. Your niece Kayla.

  • March 19, 2026

    AnnMarie Pinney

    Dear Marguerite, I was so saddened to hear the news about Chris. He was a truly remarkable man who brought so much warmth to our community. Chris's hugs always made my day brighter and to see his face light up when you walked into the room was such a beautiful thing to see. I've always admired the way you took such wonderful care of him; the love between you both was so evident to everyone around you. Chris's kind soul will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. God Bless you all AnnMarie Pinney