BORDENTOWN — Mary Fama Scolaro, 99, died Aug. 19 at home. Born March 2, 1909 in Barnesboro, Pa., she grew up in Glassboro and moved to Bordentown in 1928 following her marriage to Michael Scolaro on Sept. 5, 1928.
She and her husband owned and operated M. Scolaro Groceries and Produce in Bordentown until their retirement in 1964. She was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Church, St. Mary’s PTA, and St. Mary’s Rosary Society.
She enjoyed the beauty of nature and the flowers that she grew in her garden, listening to her favorite operas, and voraciously reading any non-fiction that came her way. She had an adventurous personality, starting piano lessons in her 50s, always tinkering to improve every pot or implement that she used, and happily adjusting ingredients to perfect any recipe she tried. Her happiest times were spent with her large and loving family.
Predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Michael, who died in 1984; parents, Carmelo and Carmela Fama, brothers and sisters, Albert, Samuel, Natali, and Anthony Fama, Carmela Salvia, Rose Calio, and Lena Lambert, former son-in-law, Vincent Illuminate, and son-in-law, Lee Harwick; she is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Col. Dominic (Ret.) and Mary Scolaro of Fairfield, Calif.; daughter, Palma Harwick, who resided with her in Bordentown; son and daughter-in-law, Michael Scolaro and Randye Bloom of Bordentown; grandchildren, David and Debbie Illuminate of Annapolis, Md., Vincent and Martine Illuminate of Bordentown, MaryEllen and Steven Rathbun of Bordentown, Michael and Connie Scolaro of Fairfield, Calif. and Dr. Donna Scolaro of Fairfield, Calif.; and 10 great-grandchildren, Jacqueline and Justine Sadeghian, David and Bradley Illuminate, Vincent, Michael, and Casey Illuminate, Ryan and Alan Rathbun and Crestina Scolaro. She is also survived by two sisters, Christina Guarrera and Clara Tyler; two brothers, Joseph and John Fama; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family wishes to thank the many family and friends who provided loving support and assistance with her personal needs, the caregivers from SJ Nurses, and especially, Embracing Hospice Care and Zofie.
A mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 45 Crosswicks St., Bordentown. Interment was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bordentown.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Mary’s Church, 45 Crosswicks St., Bordentown, NJ 08505 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are under the care and supervision of Robert L. Pecht, Bordentown Home for Funerals, 40 Crosswicks St., Bordentown.
