Bob Scutta, born August 10, 1938, in Coaldale, PA, was a standout athlete in his youth and later a respected community figure. He graduated from Coaldale High School in 1956 and played as a starting quarterback for the Coaldale Tigers in both the 1954 and 1955 seasons. Despite suffering a broken leg in his senior year, he still earned United Press and Associated Press “All-State” Honorable Mention honors.

Scutta was also an accomplished track & field athlete, excelling in the 440-yard run, pole vault, 440-yard dash, and mile relay. He competed in the Penn Relays in Philadelphia and won numerous medals in his events Emig Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc. After high school, he served in the U.S. Navy, playing for both the Norfolk Tars and Bainbridge Commodores service teams Emig Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc.

In recognition of his athletic achievements, Bob Scutta was inducted into the Carbon County Sports Hall of Fame.His career spanned high school football and track, Navy service, and later decades of public service as a Pennsylvania State Trooper for 27 years, followed by roles as an investigator and sheriff’s sergeant.

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Robert "Bob" Scutta

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To his family and friends he was affectionately called "Chappy," the nickname was as recognizable as his ever-present cigar. To the people of Coaldale, he was known as "The Mayor" or the Father of the Coaldale C.H.O.S.E. organization.

The late Joe "Chappy" Sharpe probably did more for the young people of Coaldale during his lifetime than anyone. And for that, almost 10 years after his death, a children's park in the west end of the community he loved bears his name, along with that of Coaldale coaching legend Tom "Doc" Raymer.

"Chappy," a son of the late William V. and Anna (Fisher) Sharpe, grew up in Coaldale loving and living sports. He graduated from St. Mary's High School and Mount St. Mary's College in Emmitsburg, MD. He first worked as a substitute teacher at St. Mary's and in the Coaldale School District, and coached St. Mary's Basketball team five years and its baseball team two years. He was responsible for helping organize the Tri-County Catholic Basketball league in 1933. He later directed the formation of children's softball leagues in town, and was active in the Coaldale Church League for its five year existence in the late 1940s.

In 1947, "Chappy" called the first meeting in Coaldale to form the Tri County Junior Legion Baseball League. But perhaps he's best remembered for forming the Coaldale C.H.O.S.E. (Church, Home, Organizations, School, and Environment) Group for the youth of the town. The group, which still prospers today, was established in the late 1950s and supported 12 youth baseball teams (Four Little League, four Minor, and four Midget), and in 1959 also organized a Nurses Aides Program for young women at the former Coaldale Hospital.

From 1962 to 1970, "Chappy" served as Mayor of Coaldale while he was working for the former Bundy Tubing Co. in Hometown. He was also a member of the St. Mary's Holy Name Society, where he was a church lector, the Irish American Association, the Coaldale Rod & Gun Club, the Russian Club, and American Legion. He served in World War II in the U.S. Navy. The Panther Valley American Association honored him with its Shamrock Award in 1975. "Chappy" is survived by his wife Mary, and a son, Bob, living in Crofton, MD.