"His final days with his family and friends were spent with humor, love for others, and guidance for his close circle," his family said.
A lifelong Philadelphia, Mr. Scanlan graduated from St. Joseph's Preparatory School in 1952 and the College of the Holy Cross in 1959 with a bachelor of arts degree.
His studies were interrupted when he was sent to Paris from 1955 to 1957 as an Army Signal Corps cryptographer. The experience generated a lifelong passion for crossword puzzles, which he solved in pen, his family said.
According to family lore, Mr. Scanlan once became so irked when asked to solve a New York Times crossword puzzle with an easy clue ( --- Vegas, three letters) that he called puzzle editor Will Shortz at the paper to complain.
"Mr. Shortz actually answered his phone and patiently reminded my father that it was Tuesday, and the puzzles early in the week are easier, and they get harder as the week goes on," his family said.
An athlete and sportsman, Mr. Scanlan won the city championship in diving in 1951 and 1952, and was an avid squash player. He also enjoyed cooking.
Surviving are daughters Sara, Laurie Barkhorn, and Amy Brueckner; sons Jack and Daniel; a brother; two sisters; and four grandchildren. Two former wives, Ann McNamara Scanlan and Linda Tier Scanlan, also survive.
A celebration of life will be at noon Friday, March 15, at Our Mother of Consolation Roman Catholic Church, 9 E. Chestnut Hill Ave. Friends may call at the church from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham.
Donations may be made to the Salvation Army, Adult Rehabilitation Center, 4555 Pechin St., Philadelphia 19128.
Contact Bonnie L. Cook at 215-854-2611 or bcook@phillynews.com.
