Lawrence Scuitto

Life-long San Francisco resident Lawrence Scuitto, 69, died at his home on September 9. He was a graduate of Balboa High School, and was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. While serving in the army in 1965, he suffered a severe brain trauma which left him in a wheelchair for the remaining 46 years of his life. Lawrence was a strong man, both physically and emotionally. He bore the pain and difficulty of his circumstances with great courage and determination, and he was always grateful for the gifts in his life. He was blessed with hard working and devoted parents, Louis and Rena Scuitto, who dedicated themselves to his care and well being for years following his injury. He remained grateful to them all of his life. During the initial years spent in V.A. Hospitals, he was fortunate to form friendships which endured and brought comfort throughout the years. He loved his friends. He loved baseball, and always said that it saved his sanity when he could do little else but watch it on TV. He was grateful that he lived to see the Giants win a World Series. The greatest joy and blessing in Lawrence?s life was the loving and devoted relationship with his wife, Sharon. They married in 1987, and his life expanded in ways he had never dreamed possible. Together they created a comfortable and totally accessible home, including a beautiful garden which he loved. Their home was always a welcoming and happily chaotic place, the scene of much activity, many events and celebrations. Over the years they adopted or rescued numerous animals, many with special needs, and Lawrence?s relationships with them were joyful and mutually healing. Sharon also brought her family and a circle of close friends into Lawrence?s life, and over time, mutual bonds of love and appreciation enriched all. Lawrence enjoyed frequent outings with Sharon and others to movies, plays, ballgames, museums and restaurants. They were able to take many trips, with the Grand Canyon and Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame being among Lawrence?s favorites. His mother Rena and friend Kathleen accompanied them on early travels, and this gave him special joy. Lawrence was a good man, a quiet man who felt more than he was able to say. He was courageous and capable of great compassion. He was loyal and generous to those he loved. He was grateful for any help or kindness he received. He enjoyed life despite the challenges, and was the best that he could be. He will be greatly missed by his wife, his canine companions, and a wonderful circle of friends who loved and admired him. Friends are invited to the Visitation, Sunday (TODAY) from 5:00PM to 7:00PM, at the chapels of Valente Marini Perata & Co, 4840 Mission St., SF. A committal service will be held on Monday at 12:00PM, at the Italian Cemetery, 540 F St., Colma.

Lawrence Scuitto

May 19, 1942 - September 9, 2011