Family Legacy Inspires Bill Scarff ’50 and Peter “Nelson” Scarff ’11 to Lend Helping Hands
The Beta Phi Chapter of Delta Tau Delta had a quality and stature of men that inspired Bill Scarff ’50 to join the brotherhood, while the friendliness, maturity, goals, positive energy, and having similar interests as his brothers gave him a reason to stay a part of the brotherhood. His grandson, Peter “Nelson” Scarff ’11, gained interest in joining Beta Phi through his family’s legacy, but stayed with the chapter for the same reasons as his grandfather.
The family legacy doesn’t stop with Beta Phi— the Scarff family has also been working in the landscaping and horticultural business together since their family business, Scarff’s Nursery and Landscape, began in 1889. Nelson recalls that he got his start in the family business by watering at the family garden center as a child. Bill received his degree in agronomy, and Nelson received his degree in landscape horticulture, which they have been able to use to help support the Beta Phi renovation project.
Bill was motivated to support the Beta Phi: Doorway of Opportunity campaign because of his late son, William Scarff Jr. ’80, and grandson, Nelson, who both followed in his footsteps and carried on the family’s legacy at the Beta Phi Chapter. For Nelson, he had always wanted to change the landscape at the Shelter as an undergraduate, so he jumped at the opportunity when it arose. Another driving force for the Scarff family’s support of Beta Phi’s capital campaign was to keep the memory of William Jr. alive. William Jr. maintained a strong bond with his Beta Phi brothers after graduation, many of whom attended his memorial service in Ohio last year.
Taking great pride in the Beta Phi tradition, Bill hopes that he can help keep that tradition alive through his support of the capital campaign; he highlights that he also hopes more alumni will support the campaign to perpetuate the greatness fraternities have to offer for young men. Nelson is grateful for his undergraduate opportunities and experiences and wants to do his part to give the current undergraduates the same chance at the opportunities and experiences he received. “I wanted to help in the small way that I could to move the house forward,” Nelson said. “It has provided me with a lifetime of memories, and it’s nice to be able to pay a small part of it back.”
During his spare time, Bill enjoys being involved in the New Carlisle, Ohio, community and keeping abreast of changes in the nursey industry; he also likes woodworking and sports. Nelson enjoys gardening, watching movies, and exploring Philadelphia in his free time. He and his wife, Megan, are expecting their first child. If you would like to contact Bill or Nelson, they can be reached at delta941@sbcglobal.net and nscarff28@gmail.com.
