Madison never bores Scott Piro

MADISON – Scott Piro and family have lived in Madison twice.

After being stationed here in the mid-1990s with the U.S. Army, the Piros next relocated to Washington D.C. “With a job offer in Huntsville, it was an easy decision to return. We’ve lived here since 2000 … definitely our best move,” he said.

Madison is larger than the Piros’ hometown in South Dakota, population circa 15,000. “But Madison still offers that same small-town feeling,” Scott said. “You can meet people and participate in various community, church or personal activities. We never worry about being bored.”

“During 13 Army moves, our philosophy has always been, ‘Anywhere you live is what you make of it. Madison just makes it easy to follow our philosophy,” he said. The Piros have experienced a sense of community in Madison like they felt in the Army.

An “Army brat,” Scott was born in San Antonio, Texas and moved to South Dakota in fourth grade when his father left the military. Scott attended South Dakota State University, home of the Fighting Jackrabbits (yes jackrabbits) and received a master’s degree from Duquesne University.

His wife Patty works as a guidance counselor at Bob Jones High School. Their children are Navy pilot Matt and his wife Jenny of Jacksonville, Fla. and Erin and her husband Erik Wylie of Madison.

Scott has volunteered since his children were in elementary school. Youth basketball, softball, soccer and baseball evolved into secondary-school teams. His work with church youth groups and mission trips always has involved working with Madison youth.

Scott is president of Optimist Club of Madison. He is amazed at Optimists’ fervent support of youth — essay contests, bike rodeos, safety days and golf tournaments.

As an Optimist, Piro plays basketball, supports law enforcement with their “Respect for Law Banquet” and sponsors Cub Scouts.

Scott is Assistant Vice President at Radiance Technologies, leading the Space Division. He supports U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command’s Space Superiority Division.

Their dog Otis, “a monstrous seven-pound teacup poodle,” who knows all the neighbors and loves to meet new friends.

“I’m a retro kind of guy … love the ‘Boss,’ Doobie Brothers, Rolling Stones, Led Zepplin. Since moving to Alabama, I now enjoy country music,” Scott said. He enjoys Madison’s unique restaurants, like Cork and Crust, La Placita and Picasso’s.