Eugene "Gene" Ricardo Scala, 73, of Leasure Avenue, passed away the morning of July 1 at Jamison Memorial Hospital. Born on March 14, 1942, in New Castle, he was the son of the late Helen and Joseph Scala. Surviving is his beloved wife of over 48 years, the former Paula Griffith, whom he married on January 28, 1967. He was a 1960 graduate of Lincoln High School. For over 40 years, Gene was known as one of the foremost glass engravers in the world. His most notable pieces include the NASCAR Driver of the Year trophies for both Mario Andretti and Dale Earnhardt, art pieces for celebrities such as Liberace, Jerry Lewis, Chuck Tanner, Tom Landry, and President Mikal Gorbachev. His crowning masterpiece was Bacchus. Taking almost three years to complete, this breathtaking four scene vase depicting the wine God is the largest known glass piece ever engraved by hand using a stone wheel. In retirement, he painted in acrylics and explored surreal and abstract themes. Gene was a Past Worshipful Master of Mahoning New Castle Lodge #243 and a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of New Castle. He was also a past member of the New Castle School Board where he garnered a Pennsylvania School Board Association award. Gene was an avid collector of antiques and collectable toys and was known throughout the toy community as the authority on tin and Marx collectables. Gene's greatest joy came from spending time with his five grandchildren--Jake and Ted Holloway and Sophia, Patrick and Elena Tuinstra. In addition to his wife, Gene is survived by his four children, Travis Scala of Nolensville, TN, Rosalind Holloway and husband Ken of Franklin, TN, Roxanne Tuinstra and husband Tim of Johnstown, PA, and Joseph Scala of Zanesville, OH. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Balmer. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 6 from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm at the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, 111 W. Falls Street. A Masonic service will be conducted at 6:30 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3208 Wilmington Rd, New Castle, PA 16105.