Anthony M. Scotto, 84, died May 26, 2011, in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Anthony was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 23, 1926 and was a resident of Fort Pierce for over 60 years.
He was active in the family citrus business for 60 years and was involved on many levels as the Citrus Industry grew into the giant economic engine of Florida and witnessed and participated in its unprecedented growth.
He served as President of both Tuxedo Fruit Company and D. L. Scotto & Co., Inc., served on numerous Citrus Industry Boards and Industry Associations including President of Florigold Growers, Director of Seald Sweet Growers, Director of HESCO, The Florida Citrus Packers, Florida Citrus Mutual and Vice President of the Indian River Citrus League.
The Scotto family first arrived in the Fort Pierce area in the early 1930s, purchasing citrus groves and establishing a marketing company. These companies became the life work for Mr. Scotto, his brother, Arnold Scotto and other family members.
Anthony made Fort Pierce his permanent home in 1950 after his discharge from the US Navy, completion of his education at Brooklyn Prep, Fordham University and St. John’s University and marriage to his wife, Annette. Anthony and Annette raised six children in Fort Pierce.
He was a 4th Degree and Life Member of the Knights of Columbus, was active in St. Anastasia and St. Mark the Evangelist Parishes, while his children were growing up he was active in events associated with both St. Anastasia Elementary School and John Carroll High School, he was an avid golfer, a founding member of Meadowood Country Club (originally Monte Carlo Country Club) serving as Director and was a long-time member of Indian Hills Country Club, a member of the Treasure Coast Opera Society, the Knights of Song and numerous other organizations.
When asked to comment on the important aspects of the life of Mr. Scotto, Gap Kovach, General Manager of HESCO said, “He truly was of the generation about which Tom Brokaw wrote, The Greatest Generation. Mr. Scotto was dedicated and selfless. When he did something it was for the greater good and not self serving. He will be remembered as a true gentlemen.”
Survivors include his wife of over 60 years, Annette of Fort Pierce, FL; daughters Michelle Scotto of Vero Beach, FL, Maria (Darrell) Adkins of Parrish, FL and Elizabeth (Marvin) Watson; sons John (Karen) Scotto, Joseph (Robyn) Scotto, 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son Anthony D. Scotto, brother Arnold J. Scotto and sister, Liberta Conforti.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Scotto’s memory to St. Vincent DePaul Society, 219 N. US 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34950 or Treasure Coast Hospice, 5000 Dunn Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34981.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 4th, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens