Keith Scorza

United States Army Medical Corps Colonel Keith Scorza passed away on October 12, 2023 suddenly from a stroke.

Scorza was born in Winfield, Illinois, and raised in Elmhurst, Illinois. He had one older and one younger brother, Brett and Kevin. The Scorza family was very tight-knit, having spent the summers together, enjoying camping, swimming, and anything involving the outdoors. During his childhood, Scorza loved to play baseball and most notably, he loved gymnastics and was later coached by his father in his teenage years. He and his future wife, Melissa, met during basic training upon joining the military at the same time. The pair kept in touch afterwards and later reconnected while they were both in medical school.

From a young age, Scorza knew he wanted to serve his country. In 1998, Scorza completed his basic training. Having had a passion for trains, he began his career as a train mechanic as an enlisted soldier. Four years later, he decided to go to medical school and after completing his undergraduate requirements, he applied. Excelling with ease, Scorza completed his residency as a family medicine physician and went on to complete a fellowship in sports medicine. Scorza enjoyed getting soldiers ready for the fight and treating those in harm’s way. Most of all, he loved seeing his patients recover. Scorza dedicated 25 honorable years to the US Army, serving as a Division Surgeon for the 82nd Airborne and achieving the esteemed rank of Colonel. He was awarded two Bronze Stars and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Melissa currently lives in Georgia with her five children. Today, they love partaking in outdoor activities on the water, camping, soccer, and children’s theater productions. Melissa is an active duty Dermatologist and enjoys taking care of soldiers and watching her patients recover. She takes pride in her career, as soldiers deserve the best care the nation can offer. Additionally, Melissa is a volunteer teacher at her children’s school and participates in Christmas fund drives. In the future, she is excited to continue to watch her children grow into successful adults. She is thankful for the donation on behalf of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, as it has given her and her family a newfound sense of stability in their lives. It allows her children to continue attending Catholic school, participate in extracurricular activities, and remain in their home. Finally, Melissa would like others to know that her husband’s passion was taking care of soldiers, he reveled in watching them recover without the need for surgery. Scorza was a devoted father and husband. He loved each of his children immensely.

United States Army Medical Corps Colonel Keith Scorza is survived by his wife, Melissa, and his children, Kathryn, Ileana, Elizabeth, Johnny, and Joey.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage of the Scorza family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.