Michael Patrick Scott

When the bravest, strongest, most loved and adored soul is taken too soon, the emptiest hole is left in the hearts of those who loved him fiercely. On December 26, 2024, Michael Patrick Scott lost his battle with PTSD. Born on May 4, 1980, Mike was the son of Gary and Melody Scott of Claysville, and brother to Marc (Lisa) Scott and Marci Kelley (Shawn) who loved him dearly. The siblings lovingly referred to Mike as the “golden child” of the family. He loved all of his family dearly which included a niece, Alyssa, nephews Coy (Ciara), Tyler (Brighton), and Aaden, and most recently, great-nieces and nephews who all just adored their “Uncle Mike”. A 1998 graduate of McGuffey High School, Mike pursued secondary education at WVU but had a calling to join the U.S. Army. He enlisted in 2003 and spent his 4-year commitment in various locations in both the U.S. and overseas. He attended basic training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, followed by AIT training (Medic) in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. His permanent duty was assigned in Wiesbaden, Germany, and he began serving with his roommate and forever friend, Joseph Dinan, under the command of “Lieutenant G”, (now currently Colonel Craig Giancaterino), whom Mike greatly respected. Mike spent a 14-month deployment in Ramadi, Iraq from January 2006 – February 2007. He loved his time in the Army where he made lifelong friendships. He also continued to grow his strong sense of physical health and fitness, which he continued to enjoy throughout his life. Mike also loved spending time traveling all over Europe during his off-duty time, visiting Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Netherlands, France, and many cities throughout Germany. On both July 11, 2006, and November 17, 2007, Mike married the love of his life TWICE… once while deployed and the second time in the church in front of God and his family and friends…Nicole (Chatlak) Scott, daughter of Tom and Deb Chatlak of Canonsburg, sister of Matt (Beth) Chatlak, of Canonsburg, along with their children Ben and Elise. Together Mike and Nicole have two beautiful children, Carter Thomas Scott (13) and Claire Ann Scott (7) who were his true pride and joy. The love that he provided his children was insurmountable. Mike spent his time assuring them a life of adventure, and he reveled in attending/coaching their sporting events, taking them hunting/fishing, skiing with them, and generally teaching them about all of life’s adventures. His role as a father to them was one at which others would marvel. Mike will also be deeply missed by his best little buddy, his precious 11 lb. Shi-poo, Luna, whom he adored. In 2007, and at the end of his 4-year military commitment, Mike’s brother Marc shared that the City of Washington would be hiring career firefighters. Mike flew home from Germany to test for the open position and was hired at the City of Washington Fire Department in October 2007. Mike spent his last 17 years as a career firefighter/EMT in the City of Washington. His colleagues meant the world to him, especially his most loyal and dear friend, Dustin Danley, who was supporting him up until the very end. Mike lived and loved in a way that others could only dream of doing. His quick wit and often bold presence was one that could not be duplicated. He was the essential person you wanted at any event. If you knew him well, you would listen and know well his ability to sing and/or whistle all of his favorite country/classic rewind songs, and he always seemed to know every word. Mike had deep passions for the things that he loved and believed in. He was an avid duck hunter, fisherman, sports fan, weightlifter/fitness enthusiast, baseball coach, and genuine friend. Mike was loved and adored by a group of friends that he described as “the best people he would ever know”, many of whom were members of the Class of 1998. Mike looked forward to every social event, vacation, weekend get-together, and held on to these lasting memories. Mike and his family were devoted members of St. Patrick Church of St. Oscar Romero Parish. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest a donation to a foundation that supports Veterans or Firefighters locally, such as the PA Wounded Warriors, the PA Professional Firefighters Memorial, your local American Legion, or American Legion Post 639. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 2, 2025, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Funeral service will be private for the family. Interment at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies will be scheduled at a later date.