Charles R. Scully, a prominent attorney in St. Petersburg, Florida, died on May 6, 2015.
He was born on September 6, 1942 in Norwich, New York and was the son of the late Raymond F. and Barbara Smith Scully. Charles (“Chuck”) grew up in Norwich, spending idyllic summers at Camp Dudley on the shores of Lake Champlain and at the family cottage on Chenango Lake. As a youngster, he had the joy of being the “little mascot” for the “Norwich Y-Giants,” a semi-pro football team. He attended lower school in the Norwich school system and earned his high school diploma from Blair Academy in Blairstown, New Jersey, class of 1960. Charles excelled in both academics and sports. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kentucky Wesleyan University and his Juris Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law. Upon achievement of his law degree, Charles began a long and rewarding career as an attorney in St. Petersburg, Florida. Throughout his life, Charles was a respected member of the legal community and enjoyed much success in his law practice until his recent retirement. He took particular pride in mentoring law students from his alma mater, Stetson University, some of whom became partners in his firm.
In addition to his busy practice, Charles was quite civic minded throughout his life and served on several boards as a Trustee for corporations, schools and other noteworthy organizations. He generously gave of himself, his time and his knowledge. Charles managed to take time away from his burgeoning practice to enjoy the good things in life. He particularly enjoyed his beautiful home which was situated on picturesque property bordering the Gulf of Mexico. He was able to pursue his love of water activities including boating, swimming, sailing, and jet skiing. He was a passionate fisherman, taking this sport to the competitive level. He won many honors and trophies as a result of local fishing competitions. If, for some reason, he didn’t win the first prize in any given competition, his contemporaries could rely on an embellished story as to how the “biggest fish got away!” Charles also cherished quiet moments at his waterfront property. He loved sharing the beauty of gorgeous sunrises and sunsets with family and friends over both the Gulf of Mexico and Chenango Lake. Charles was an accomplished golfer and truly enjoyed his club memberships in Tampa and St. Pete Beach as well as Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. He played as often as his busy lifestyle would allow.
In addition to being predeceased by his parents, Charles was also predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Charles and Agnes Smith, Sr. and his paternal grandparents, Charles P. and Jane Scully. His brother-in-law and good friend, A. James “Skip” Schibeci, predeceased Charles as did several aunts, uncles, cousins and late wife, Peggy Jo Kimmel-Scully (nee Rodriquez). Charles is survived by his wife, Mary Ann (“Mali”), his son, Patrick, and his daughter, Stacy. His siblings, Patricia Scully-Schibeci of Norwich and his brother, David F. Scully of Stuart, Florida have also survived him. Other family members who have survived Charles are niece, Cynthia Scully-Beattie along with her husband, Kyle, and their four children (“the 4T’s”), Tyler, Taryn, Tiara and Trent (all of whom Charles adored), nephew, Andrew Trent Scully along with his wife, Elisabeth, and their infant daughter, Louise, who is the most recent addition to the Scully family. Charles is also survived by aunts, Mary Lou Powell and Mary Smith, and a favorite cousin, Jeanette Smith Choate. There are many other extended family members who have survived Charles including, locally, Frank S. Powell, Agnes Smith Eaton, and Peter V. Smith.
For Charles, as his final sunset was arriving, the joy of family, friends and colleagues provided him with countless fond memories. He was truly comforted by those sweet memories as his precious life slipped away. Charles’ final request was to be returned to his place of beginning – the beautiful countryside of Norwich -- and to be laid to rest alongside his beloved parents. A private family service will be held at a future time and interment will take place in the family section of Mount Hope Cemetery in Norwich, NY.
The local arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.