Friday, July 17, 2026

Scardamaglia FDR Furniture Builder












Antonio (Tony) Scardamaglia  age 24 -emigrated to USA -arrived NYC on Jul 01-1923- 

Ship travel SS President Wilson -

next of kin in Pianopoli, wife Rosina Donato-

sponsor and address in USA- brother Ferdinando Scardamaglia-  Herkimer- 316 S. Main St.

Anthony Scardamaglia was a master craftsman and the longtime president of the Custom Woodwork Company, retiring several years before his death.

Notable Career Achievements

During his career, his exceptional architectural woodworking and furniture-making skills earned him high-profile historic commissions, including:

  • Presidential Furniture: He was commissioned to build custom furniture specifically for the office of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
  • Historic Interiors: He manufactured and constructed the detailed interior woodwork for The Sam Houston Memorial Library.

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Antonio Scardamaglia (also recorded in American historical archives as Anthony) was a master craftsman from Schenectady, New York, who made history by building custom furniture for President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR).

Here are the key historical details related to his life and work in Schenectady, NY:

  • The Connection to FDR: He worked on the creation of custom furniture for President Roosevelt. This type of high-end craft production in New York State was often linked to famous furniture industries in the area or directly to the Val-Kill Industries in Hyde Park, an initiative strongly supported by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to revive local craftsmanship.
  • Historical Records: His life and prestigious professional role were documented in his official obituary published in the local newspaper, which can be found through historical registries on MyHeritage. The article, titled "Scardamaglia Rites Set; FDR Furniture Builder", announced the solemn Catholic liturgy of Christian burial held in his honor.
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SCHENECTADY GAZETTE, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1973

Scardamaglia Rites Set;

FDR Furniture Builder

The Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial for Anthony Scardamaglia will be celebrated at 11 a.m. tomorrow in St. John the Evangelist Church.

Mr. Scardamaglia, of 1521 Balltown Road, died Saturday at Ellis Hospital after a short illness. Born in Italy, Mr. Scardamaglia had lived in Schenectady many years.

He was the president of Custom Woodwork Company for many years, retiring several years ago. He built furniture for the office of President Roosevelt and had built the interior of

The Sam Houston Memorial Library. <https://www.samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com/presidential-library/>

His wife was the late Rose Donato Scardamaglia.

Survivors, includes a son, Reginald A. Scott of Schenectady; A daughter Mrs Vito Longo of Valatie, five grandchildren also Survive.

A service prior to the Mass will be conducted at 10:30a.m. Tomorrow. Burial will be most Holy Redeemer Cemetery. The Funeral home will be open after 7 pm tonight



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