Jesse E. Scavella, Jr. was born on April 12, 1944, in Philadelphia, PA, to Jane and Jesse E. Scavella, Sr. As a youngster he lived in Belmar, NJ, with his parents and brother, Ron. Jesse and Ron attended Belmar Grammar School. While attending Belmar Grammar School, Jesse and his family moved to South Belmar, NJ. His home of record is South Belmar, NJ.

After graduating from grammar school, Jesse “Butch” Scavella entered Manasquan High School in 1959. During his years at Manasquan High, Jesse played on the football team for four years, and was also a member of the Track Team for four years, earning a Varsity Letter in both sports. In addition, Jesse was a member of the Key Club his sophomore, junior and senior years. The quote under Jesse’s picture in his senior yearbook reads: “Guard on our football team. When with sports, he’s on the beam.” In 1962, Jesse E. Scavella, Jr. graduated from Manasquan High School.

After graduation, Jesse moved to New York where he went to work at Look Magazine. While working at Look, Jesse enlisted in the US Army National Guard and served his duty in New York.

On June 3, 1965, Scavella went on active duty in the US Army, becoming a member of the 101st Airborne and serving in the 320th Artillery Division where he attained the rank of Sergeant (SGT).

While in Vietnam, Scavella was on a combat mission where his patrol was engaged in hostile enemy fire. During the firefight, Scavella was mortally wounded and died on March 10, 1968. He was 23 years old.

Jesse Scavella, Jr. was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

Sources: Manasquan High School and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024