David Paul Sclavi

Obituary for David Paul Sclavi

January 20th, 1948 - July 27th, 2023

David Paul Sclavi, known to his loved ones as Dave, passed away on July 27, 2023, at the age of 75, in Hamilton, New Jersey due to health complications. Born on January 20, 1948, in Trenton, New Jersey, Dave was a unique person and unforgettable character who dedicated his life to his craftsmanship, his family, and his eclectic creative pursuits.

Dave grew up in Hamilton, NJ and was a member of the Our Lady of Sorrows Parish. He attended Notre Dame High School and graduated in 1966. From there, he worked as a machinist at DeLaval Turbine. During his youth he was in a band, showcasing his musical abilities of singing and guitar playing. He had a boat named Lady Louise and would often take it out on weekends on the Jersey Shore. He enjoyed time with his children, teaching them about his craft and taking them to the steam locomotive club on the weekends.

Dave was a brilliant craftsman and a true master of his art. He dedicated his life to building ⅛ scale live steam locomotives and was widely regarded as one of the finest small-scale steam locomotive builders in the world. In 1982, he founded Mercer Locomotive Works, embarking on a remarkable journey that allowed him to pursue his life’s passion. Within this firm, Dave hand-machined thousands of meticulously detailed parts to assemble functioning scale-model steam locomotives from blueprints he drafted based on the original designs. Apart from building the locomotives, he has designed small-scale railways, and built kits to build locomotives for individuals across the world. His expertise and passion were generously shared with others through his YouTube channel, trainman4602, which is still active today. He was an active member of the Pennsylvania Live Steamers until his passing, and a former member of the New Jersey Live Steamers, where he was one of the founding members.

Beyond his love for locomotives, Dave had a diverse range of interests. He possessed an exceptional talent for Italian-American cooking and gladly shared his culinary skills with his family and on his YouTube channel, and was able to recreate the famous Tomato Pie of Trenton, NJ. He also held a fondness for Ford Mustangs and relished the pleasures of great Italian food. Over the course of his lifetime he built a large custom-made home with his father, many model airplanes, and vintage guitars. He had a joyously eclectic taste in music of all kinds,ranging from Surf Rock, to Motown, to vintage Country-Western.

Dave's legacy extends beyond his interests. He instilled his mechanical and artistic skills in his beloved children, Kathryn and Daniel Sclavi, passing on his passion for craftsmanship to the next generation. He played an integral role in shaping their lives, and they will carry on his legacy through their artistic skills and dedication to their craft.

Dave's memory will be cherished by his children, Kathryn and Daniel Sclavi, as well as first cousin Paula Winter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louise and Gino Sclavi, and several other aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023, at 11am at Saint Anthony Catholic Church, located at 626 South Olden Avenue, Trenton, New Jersey. Following the service, a repast will be held at Villa Mannino, situated at 73 Route 130, Trenton, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to donate to David Sclavi’s funeral fund, you may send a donation to Kathryn or Daniel Sclavi at 314 Fenwood Ave. Hamilton Township, NJ 08619 or through Venmo @ksclavi/PayPal kathrynsclavi@gmail.com
 

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