Joseph “Joe” Martin Scott Jr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, entrepreneur, designer, and mentor, died on July 22, 2026, at the age of 90.

Born June 4, 1936, Joe was raised in Woodbury, Connecticut, where he worked in the family pool business founded by his parents, Vera and Joseph M. Scott Sr. Before he could drive, Joe started a flagstone business, with artist Alexander Calder as his first client. He used his earnings to buy a record player, beginning a lifelong love of classical music, opera, and the arts.

While attending the University of Colorado Boulder, Joe met Dorothy “Dotty” Lee Goldberg. Despite their parents’ opposition to the interfaith relationship, they eloped on Joe’s 21st birthday and shared 67 remarkable years together. After beginning married life in Texas, they settled in Connecticut, where they raised five children and built a successful business.

In 1972, Joe founded Glengate, expanding his family’s pool-building heritage with the innovative belief that a property should be designed as a whole - not merely as a swimming pool surrounded by a yard. A founding member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, Joe helped Glengate become one of the nation’s most respected pool and landscape companies. He led the business until 2013, when he passed it to the next generation, and he and Dotty moved to Naples, Florida.

A self-taught designer, Joe appreciated exceptional design in everything - from swimming pools and British sports cars to custom suits and his home. Though he had high expectations in his business and personal life, many times it was his sharp sense of humor and ability to make all feel welcome that earned him so many lasting friendships. Joe and Dotty also opened their home to anyone needing love, shelter, or a place to belong.

Two weeks before his death, Joe converted to Judaism - which had long been central to his marriage and family life - as a meaningful way to honor Dotty and feel closer to her.

Joe was preceded in death by Dotty, his parents, and his grandson Jared Scott.

He is survived by his children and their partners Jordan and Karen Scott, James Scott and Carole Mills, Rebekah Simon-Peter, Jeffrey Scott and Corine Koornhof, and Jennifer Scott; grandchildren Jessica Scott, Jason Scott, Michael Bergmann, Max Scott, and Kate Scott; step-grandchildren Heidi Wittbold Jones and Shane Wittbold; great-grandson Kairo Kfir Washington; and siblings Jim and Suzie Scott, Joyce and Bill Drakeley, and Jann Scott.

The family is deeply grateful to Joe’s devoted caregivers for providing companionship, dignity, and loving care during his final years.

Donations may be made in Joe (and Dotty’s) memory to the Southwest Florida ALS Association.  https://www.als.org/

Graveside services will take place in Wilton CT at the Hillside Cemetery on Tuesday July 28 at 11am. Reception and shiva afterward.

To offer online condolences please visit: www.boutonfuneralhome.com