Patrick and Haruko Scanlon Scholarship Fund

This fund was established in loving memory of Patrick and Haruko Scanlon by their children: Carleen Winn, a school teacher in Bedford, NH, and Kevin Scanlon, an attorney living in Wakefield. This fund has a stated preference for a first generation college student studying history, political science or the arts.

Patrick was born in Ballydorgan, County Cork, Ireland on March 27, 1934 to Richard and Nora Scanlon. He arrived in Boston on June 21, 1947, eventually settling in Somerville, Massachusetts. After graduating from Somerville High School class of 1953, he joined the United States Air Force. While stationed in Japan, he met the love of his life and married Haruko Tsuda. After serving 20 years in the Air Force, he retired and joined the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier working in Manchester, NH and Exeter, NH. He retired from the post office in October 1996.

Haruko a/k/a Mary was born on January 2, 1932 in Nagoya, Japan to Tatsuji and Hatsu Tsuda. Haruko was one of seven children and lived through the bombings during World War II. She was raised a Shinto but converted to Catholicism after marrying Patrick. She married Patrick Scanlon on May 5, 1959. She became a U.S. Citizen shortly thereafter and had two children; Carleen and Kevin. After living in Japan for 5 years, the Scanlon family moved back to the United States and eventually settled in Exeter, NH.

Haruko was a devoted mother volunteering at her children’s school as a bus mother and working in the school cafeteria. She also loved working on school projects. She was a gifted seamstress and loved knitting blankets, sweaters and scarfs for family and friends. She also enjoyed doing needlepoint and making any type of craft.

Patrick was affectionately known as “Bampie” by his family and friends and enjoyed singing, golfing, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. His generous heart and great sense of humor always kept his family and friends smiling. He was known for his kind spirit and infectious laugh.

Although neither Patrick nor Haruko attended college, both of them were strong advocates and supporters of higher education. They truly believed that a college education was a pathway to a better life, especially for first generation college bound students. Patrick loved history and social studies, and Haruko loved the arts. Both Patrick and Haruko were hard working and deeply devoted to their family.

Haruko died in May 1987. Patrick died on October 8, 2017 at the age of 83.