Charles J. “Charley” or “Cholly” Scalies, Jr., who passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, at the age of 84, was many things to many people — a husband, father, grandfather, actor, businessman, storyteller, and friend. But for those who knew him best, Charley was a man who lived his life with great love, incredible energy, and an enduring devotion to family.
He left behind a legacy that crossed the boundaries of theater stages, television screens, and boardroom tables. Yet his favorite audience was always much closer to home — seated around his family’s dinner table, listening to his stories, and laughing at his jokes.
Charley Scalies Life: Humble Beginnings in South Philadelphia
Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Charley grew up over his father’s pool hall — a place that would one day inspire his screenwriting. Even as a young boy, he had an undeniable talent for entertaining. He delighted patrons of the family’s business with spot-on impressions and playful humor. This flair for performance was more than a child’s pastime — it was the first sign of a lifelong passion.
He was the youngest son of Charles and Theresa Scalies (née Iacona), and brother to Regina Mondello and Joseph Scalies, who preceded him in death. From his earliest years, Charley demonstrated the values of hard work, creativity, and family that would guide his entire life.
Education and Early Career
Charley graduated from St. Joseph’s College (now St. Joseph’s University) in Philadelphia, where he pursued academic success with the same commitment and charisma he brought to the rest of his endeavors. Though acting was a deep interest, he first entered the business world, choosing to establish himself in the corporate sector.
He found significant success in industry, eventually rising to Director of Sales and Contracts at Clifton Precision, a company noted for its high standards in precision manufacturing. Later, Charley channeled his expertise into launching his consulting firm, with a focus on ISO 9000 auditing and quality management systems — fields that require discipline, accuracy, and leadership, all of which he had in abundance.
A Family Man Above All
Despite his professional success, Charley always made it clear where his heart truly lay — with his family. He married the love of his life, Angeline M. Scalies (née Cardamone), and together they built a life filled with purpose, joy, and unconditional support. Their bond lasted 62 years, a remarkable testament to enduring love.
The couple raised five children:
- Charles (Chuck) Scalies III,
- Angeline Kogut (Steve Kogut),
- Anthony (Tony) Scalies,
- Christa Ann Scalise, and
- Anne Marie Scalies (Shawn Weaver).
Charley also delighted in being a grandfather to Charles IV, Christopher, Domenic, and Amelia. To his family, he wasn’t just a provider or a figurehead. He was present, involved, and emotionally generous. He believed that a father’s role was to guide his children toward self-sufficiency, to lead with respect and warmth, and to demonstrate love not just in words, but in actions.
Charley often emphasized three core principles of parenting:
- Loving their mother,
- Spending meaningful time with them, and
- Instilling respect and hard work.
A Late Blooming Return to the Stage
While many slow down in their later years, Charley chose a different path, reigniting his lifelong passion for the performing arts. In the early 1990s, after a break from the creative world, he returned to the stage with a renewed spirit.
He became active in the community and dinner theater, delivering standout performances in roles like:
- Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls,
- Billy Flynn in Chicago, and
- The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz (with the St. Francis Players in Springfield, PA).
Audiences loved his presence. On stage, he had that rare ability to transform characters into fully human experiences — full of charm, wisdom, and complexity.
From Theater to Television Stardom
Charley’s reentry into acting didn’t stop at local productions. In his 50s, he began landing roles in television and film, a remarkable achievement that many only dream of. His film debut came in 1995, in the Al Pacino-led Two Bits. That same year, he also appeared in Terry Gilliam’s 12 Monkeys, further establishing himself as a serious actor.
He later earned guest roles in major TV dramas, including:
- Homicide: Life on the Street,
- Law & Order,
- Law & Order: SVU, and
- Cold Case.
But it was his work on HBO’s The Wire that made him instantly recognizable to millions of viewers.
Iconic Roles on The Wire and The Sopranos
Charley Scalies is best known for his portrayal of Thomas “Horseface” Pakusa in Season 2 of The Wire, a gritty, groundbreaking series that explored the city of Baltimore’s ports and labor unions. His performance as a longshoreman and union man was praised for its authenticity and depth, capturing the frustrations and dignity of America’s blue-collar workers.
He also appeared in another HBO classic — The Sopranos. In Season 5, he played Coach Molinaro in the surreal episode titled “The Test Dream.” It was a brief but powerful role in one of the most psychologically intense episodes of the series.
These two shows, now considered hallmarks of prestige television, cemented Charley’s reputation as a talented, reliable, and memorable character actor.
Screenwriting and Creative Expression
Charley didn’t stop at acting — he also tried his hand at writing. One of his proudest creative endeavors was a screenplay titled It Takes Balls, inspired by the pool hall he grew up in. The screenplay centers around a female lead named Tressa, who navigates life’s challenges with determination and resilience.
The script explores themes of inner strength, identity, and the underdog spirit — elements that reflect Charley’s own life journey. Though the screenplay never made it to the big screen, it remains a powerful part of his artistic legacy.
A Final Farewell
Charley Scalies’s life came to a close on May 1, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and memories that spanned eight decades. Though his memory may have faded in his final years, the imprint he left on others remains indelible.
A public service will be held at Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home in Trappe, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with calling hours from 9:30 to 11:00 AM. In place of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, a cause close to their hearts.
Legacy of a Life Well Lived
Charley Scalies wasn’t a household name in the way that Hollywood’s biggest stars might be. But that was never the point for him. He lived with purpose — in business, on stage, on screen, and at home.
He was a man of balance:
- Corporate professional and creative artist.
- Beloved performer and humble family man.
- Joke teller and wisdom sharer.
His ability to make people laugh, think, and feel was his superpower. Whether you knew him personally or simply watched him in The Wire, his authenticity left a mark.
