Thomas Anthony “Scooch” Iadevaia passed away Friday, Dec. 4, 2015 at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Scooch was born April 24, 1934 in Mineola, NY, the son of Antonio Luigi Umberto Iadevaia and Maria Rosa Incornata Pascucci.
Scooch graduated from Westbury High School 1952 in Long Island, NY. He attended Hofstra University and served in the United States Army from 1955 – 1956. Scooch moved to Tulsa in 1970 where he was employed as a SABRE computer programmer with American Airlines. He was one of the first programmers to work in the Reservation Project, the joint project between American Airlines and IBM.
Soccer was always a very big part of his life from an early age. Scooch was very instrumental in starting the Oklahoma Soccer Association. From his leadership came the Northeast Oklahoma Adult Soccer Association and a league of 77 teams. He also worked with leaders in the Oklahoma City area in the development of Frontier Country Soccer and Central Oklahoma Adult Soccer League programs. By the end of the 1970s, the Tulsa Roughnecks came aboard the North American Soccer League and Tom was there to develop even more soccer enthusiasm.
He worked with Pepsi to bring Pele to Tulsa and the Brazilian’s visit drew thousands to the sport. Tom twice served as chairman of the Oklahoma Soccer Association’s Executive Board. Obtaining his State referee badge, Tom was often seen at tournaments as player, administrator, coach, and referee. He obtained his USSF “B” license and coached his son, T. A., and their team, the Tornados, to a regional appearance in Raleigh, NC, and the finals in Dallas in 1983.
Scooch was preceded in death by parents; and sister, Julianna Davison. He is survived by his wife, Gayle; son, T.A. and his wife, Kimberly of Dallas, TX; brother, Anthony and his wife, Vicki of St. Joseph, MI; and grandchildren: Abigail and Meghan Rose.
A graveside ceremony was held at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery. A memorial service will be planned at Unity Church of Christianity in the spring. Arrangements entrusted to Schaudt-Teel Funeral Service at Memorial Park in Tulsa. www.tulsafuneral.com.
