Ira M. Sclan

Ira M. Sclan, of Plymouth Meeting, PA, born May 27, 1939 passed away on December 18, 2025. Ira had a distinguished aeronautical engineering career. There was a James Bond-esque quality to Ira’s professional life, as he’d casually mention trips to Papau New Guinea, a nuclear submarine, Area 51, and a stint in law school to baffled daughters and friends. More importantly to Ira he was a proud father and grandfather. His daughters, Rachel Vahey (Matthew) and Karen Shea (Christian) always knew they were his most important people. As a grandfather, he took immense joy in watching Lillian and Hailey pursue their many interests, from sports to Tik-Tok dances to spending Pops’ generous birthday checks. The loyalty he displayed towards his family extended to his professional life as well, serving the same company for 45 years.

Ira, a man of few words, imparted quiet wisdom to those close to him. Since his passing, his daughters have received heartwarming missives from friends and family describing Ira’s subtle, but poignant shaping of their lives. Ira will be remembered for his unwritten rules regarding phone etiquette, dating how-to’s and the 4-Ps: pizza, popcorn, pasta and peanuts, the 4 food groups.

Beyond work and his family, Philly sports and the stock market were his passions. Anything that interrupted Mike Schmidt at the plate or Jim Cramer pontificating was emphatically discouraged. Ira also loved the beach. He discouraged nothing at the beach. In his later years, his lifetime love of cars became profoundly apparent as he purchased, but rarely drove, luxury vehicles.

Along with his children and grandchildren, Ira is survived by two beloved sisters, Phyllis Small and Cheryl Kalter, who will remember him for his quiet strength and unwavering support. He is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Sarah (Gordon) Sclan who instilled in him the values of hard-work, responsibility and generosity that he carried throughout his life. He is also predeceased by his brother-in-law, Howard Small, who relished in embarrassing Ira at every opportunity. These loved ones allowed Ira to be Ira. If Jack’s of Avalon exists in the afterlife, Ira’s martini glass and he will enjoy a fond reunion.

Services for Ira will be private and held at the discretion of the family.

To the man who wanted everything cooked well done, Well done, Ira.