Bob Scagliotti ... designed Holy Rosary Church; at 88

ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. - With family at his side, Bob Scagliotti, of Zephyr Cove, died on Jan. 15, 2024, from complications of Primary Progressive Aphasia. Bob was born May 27, 1935, in Rochester, N.H., to Carlo and Giovanna (Rigazio) Scagliotti, both of whom had emigrated from Piemonte, Italy. Bob is preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph and Louis; his nephew, David; and by his loving stepmother, Louise (Jacques) Scagliotti.

A graduate of Spaulding High School in Rochester, Bob played tight end on the varsity football team, the only sophomore on the varsity squad. Bob went on to study architecture at Wentworth Institute and the Boston Architectural College, where he obtained his architectural registrations in Massachusetts and other New England states. A devout Catholic, Bob was always proud of having started his architectural career by designing the new Holy Rosary Church in Rochester, when he was just 25 years old.

He opened his own architectural firm in Salem, Mass., in 1972. Scagliotti Associates Inc. designed numerous commercial, civic and residential buildings over the years. In moving from the mechanics of the drafting table to managing a business, Bob discovered that his greatest joy was, not in working with drawings and measurements, but with people. Bob was always affable and fair, generous and even-keeled. He and his wife, Nackey often hosted friends, neighbors, and family in their home. Friends remember Bob as being sincere and engaged in his conversations with them.

Bob had a particular interest in the preservation of historic buildings, and he served as Chairman of the Salem Historical District Commission when it was first established. Bob and Nackey restored their own historic home at 38 Chestnut St. in Salem. He and his son, Michael would take long walks through various cities and observe and discuss the architecture of the houses and buildings they passed.

Bob and Nackey were avid sailors. On summer weekends they would sail their sloop, Mariposa, from Marblehead to various other ports in the region. In the winter they would often charter sailboats with friends and family in the Virgin Islands. After Bob's retirement, they spent two years on a 62-foot ketch, Lord Jim, in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

When not working, Bob volunteered at the Salem Boys and Girls Club, where he taught children English as a Second Language. At Salem's St. James parish, he taught classes to 9th graders to prepare them for the sacrament of Confirmation.

Bob was an avid skier since his 20s, when he liked to hike Mount Washington in winter to ski Tuckerman Ravine and Hillman's Highway. Later in life he became a passionate tennis player, playing competitive senior doubles with a US Tennis Association team that dominated in New England and went onto a national tournament. He continued play competitively into his early 80's.

After Nackey's retirement, the two of them moved west to be closer to their son and his family. Time spent with his grandchildren gave Bob his most valued and precious moments during his final years.

Bob was always good at talking to children. Younger family members remember Bob talking to them with the same respect and attention one typically gives to adults. Bob had strong friendships with animals. He was close to his family. His religious practice was deeply personal and a source of calm.

Bob is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nackey; son, Michael; daughter-in-law, Miya; grandchildren, Jasper and Ailla; nephew, Thom Scagliotti; nieces, Joan Scagliotti and Kelly Scagliotti; and grand-nieces, Sandra Scagliotti and Kristen Jerabek.