Phillip Scozzola Jr., 78, died Sunday, August 17, in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, due to complications from Lou Gehrig’s Disease or ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.)
He leaves his wife of 45 years, Marlene, son Scott and wife Heather, grandchildren Isabella and Jake, daughter Pilar Hemry and brothers Paul Scozzola and Charlie Rizzo.
Born on July 17,1936 and raised in Chicago, IL, he was the son of Phillip and Angeline Scozzola. He moved to Burbank, California, shortly after the death of his mother. He joined the United States Army in 1959 at the Dugway Proving Ground in Utah as the first Cook. While in the army he began to develop a love for the game of golf which he began a career in after his discharge from the Army in 1961. He married Marlene Branchflower in 1969.
He began his golf career as a teaching professional and assistant golf professional at Casey Stengle’s Driving Range, DeBell Golf Course and Vista Valencia Golf Course. In 1970 he became the Golf Professional for the City of Burbank at the DeBell Golf Course, a position he remained in for 31 years.
Upon his retirement in 2001, he moved to Lake Havasu, Arizona, with wife Marlene where he played golf daily and enjoyed traveling in the summer months in their fifth wheel to California, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Arizona.
Funeral Services for Phillip Scozzola will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church, 3801 Scott Road, in Burbank on September 6, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a celebration of his life and gathering of family and friends at the DeBell Golf Club in Burbank, California. A private burial service will be held by the family.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the ALS foundation at ALSA.org or commit yourself to an ice bucket challenge in honor of Phil Scozzola.
