Hallandale Beach Mayor Joseph Scavo, a New York City native and retired New York City detective, died of pneumonia early Saturday at Miami Heart Institute. He was 67.
Mr. Scavo, who was first elected to the Hallandale Beach City Commission in 1999, was hospitalized in mid-March with heart problems. He underwent triple bypass surgery and developed respiratory problems. He had been on a respirator for several months and was being treated in Miami Heart Institute and Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood.
Mr. Scavo served at least 25 years with the New York City Police Department before retiring. He and his wife, Emily, moved to Hallandale Beach in 1990.
Almost immediately, Mr. Scavo became involved in the community and was elected president of the DeSoto Park Condominium Association.
He served as chairman of the Three Islands Safe Neighborhood District and the Three Islands Council of Condominiums. He was a member of St. Matthews Catholic Church in Hallandale Beach. Mr. Scavo was chosen as mayor by fellow commissioners in March.
Mr. Scavo is survived by his wife, daughter Diana Conklin of New York and four grandchildren.
Longtime friend and city resident Armin Lovenwirth said Mr. Scavo was devoted to his family and the city.
“Joe was a man who I had the utmost respect for as a concerned citizen and as a loving husband and father,” Lovenwirth said. “I hope everyone meets somebody in their life like Joe Scavo.”
Lovenwirth said Mr. Scavo inspired other residents to participate in the community and support the city.
“The safety of this city was so paramount in his mind, and that’s why he was so supportive of our police department,” he said. “For a man you thought would be a tough cop, he was a very humane individual.”
Mr. Scavo built a strong base of support among the city’s police officers and firefighters. Assistant Police Chief Tom Magill said: “He was a fantastic person. He will be sorely missed.”
City Manager R.J. Intindola called Mr. Scavo an innovator and one of the smartest commissioners he has ever known.
“He brought new concepts and ideas to the city, and he enhanced the city’s development standards,” Intindola said.
Services for Mr. Scavo are scheduled to be in New York City next week. A memorial at St. Matthews Catholic Church will be next month at a time to be announced.
