Charley Scalies, known for his memorable roles in The Wire and The Sopranos, has passed away at the age of 84 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He died peacefully on Thursday, May 1, at a nursing facility in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, with his daughter Anne Marie Scalies confirming the news.
A Memorable Screen Presence
Scalies was best known to TV fans for playing Thomas “Horseface” Pakusa in The Wire’s second season and for his role as Tony Soprano’s former high school coach in The Sopranos. He once called his work on these critically acclaimed series “humbling,” proud that his performances would live on for future generations.
Born in Philadelphia, Scalies began his film career later in life, making his debut in Two Bits (1995) alongside Al Pacino. He went on to appear in 12 Monkeys, Liberty Heights, Jersey Girl, and had guest roles across the Law & Order franchise.
A Life Beyond Acting
Before finding success in Hollywood, Scalies had a career in business, serving as director of sales and contracts at Clifton Precision and later founding his own consulting firm. But above all, he was known as a devoted family man—described in his obituary as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.
Remembering Charley
Rafael Alvarez, a writer for The Wire, paid tribute to Scalies online, remembering him as both a close friend and a valued member of the show’s family: “Miss you, Horse.”
Scalies is survived by his wife of 62 years, Angeline M. Scalies, their five children, and four grandchildren.
A service honoring his life will be held on Thursday, May 8, at Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home in Trappe, PA. The family asks that donations be made to the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of flowers.
Charley Scalies leaves behind not only a lasting legacy on screen but also in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
