Michael James Scott was born on July 3, 1936, in the midst of the Great Depression. He was the youngest son of Peter Scott and Elizabeth Leonard. At the time of his birth, Mike’s family lived on Monitor St in Jersey City in a “cold water flat.” At a very early age,  Mike and his three siblings were separated from their parents and from each other.  Mike was raised at the Saint Joseph's Orphanage and School for Boys in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Mike forever claimed he was the spoiled favorite of the “good nuns,” and that his time in “the home” was happy. So much so that for high school he initially chose to enter a seminary to become a priest. 

For about 2 years, Mike attended the seminary of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, near Watkins Glen, NY. Before committing completely to the priesthood, Mike decided his path was elsewhere. He returned to Jersey City and graduated from Lincoln High school notably supported by his beloved Aunt Anna (McGuire) (known to Mike’s children as “Gramma Guire”) and family.

Despite growing up largely in an orphanage, Mike and his siblings, cousins, and extended family (largely from Jersey City) managed to foster close, life long relationships. 

Mike also had a good relationship with his father, whom Mike referred to as “Pete.”  Pete worked for most of his life at the stock yards in Jersey City. Mike only spoke fondly of his father and always pointed out that Pete lent him money whenever he needed it (although only if he caught Pete on pay day).

On March 3, 1955, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Army, and was assigned to the (former) Army Security Agency. Mike refused to talk specifics about much of his service, but conceded based on his official records it was obvious: (1) the Army taught him the Russian language and telecommunication interception; and (2) deployed him to West Germany adjacent to a hostile country that flew a red flag. Mike talked mostly of the fun he had with his fellow soldiers, but that he longed to return to the “land of the round door knobs.”

On March 10, 1958, Mike was honorably discharged. He went to college briefly at the University of Kansas, but ultimately graduated from St. Peters in Jersey City with an accounting degree. At St. Peter’s, Mike scored the highest grade on a crucial accounting test and was awarded a medal. The feat of excellence was published in the local paper, and was a long remembered and cited source of pride for Mike’s extended network of cousins in Jersey City. 

Through a friend, Mike was hired by the Danaher & Bastable accounting firm located in the Empire State Building.  Mike became a Certified Public Accountant.  Mike was the type to speak softly but carry a big stick, and seized partnership with Mr. Danaher during an appropriate moment of transition for the firm. Danaher & Scott was born, with offices at 11 Park Place, NY.

On September 30, 1972, Mike married Jane Cardillo. The love birds settled in Rutherford NJ, Jane’s hometown, and raised five children. Mike and Jane established a home for their children that could have only been a dream for him when he was in the orphanage. He could always be counted on to be present at his kids’ sports and activities both home and away, and did more than his fair share of helping coach. 

Each tax season, the Scott home was booked solid with friends and family members coming to dinner and having their tax returns done by Mike’s creative hands. The early 1990s saw a pivotal moment when Mike and his sisters learned that they had a half sister and three more nephews in Rhodes Island to add to the family. 

In his later years, Mike stole the show as “Grandpa” whenever he was around any of his 12 grandchildren. Mike battled health problems, but always managed to come out on top.  You could never catch Mike on a bad day, even when his favorite team Notre Dame lost.  He will forever be known to friends and family for sitting guard on his trusty recliner in the living room, and warmly greeting all who entered. Mike’s story is one of overcoming adversity through hard work, and living happily through faith and fidelity to his family.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife Jane (nee Cardillo), his children, Elizabeth Slone & Greg, Allie Allen & Eddie, Joe & Alli, Michael, Andrew & Alyson, his grandchildren, Anna, Matthew, Boston, Daniel, Luke, Cooper, Benjamin, Julia, Sammy, Richard, Catherine, Patrick. Michael is predeceased by his siblings, Sally Erb, Margie Mudrick, Bob Scott, Thomas, Eileen Costigan.

Celebration of life for Michael J. Scott:

Friday, January 12, 2024   6pm-9pm

Mason's Cellar , 32 Ames Ave, Rutherford, NJ 07070

All are welcome.  RSVP not required.  But likely head count would be appreciated to joecscott@yahoo.com