Mary Scolio

Mary Quinn Scolio, age 97, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024. She was born in Erie on May 3, 1927, the daughter of Francis Bernard and Mary Harrington Quinn, and stepdaughter of Florence Weschler Quinn.

Mary graduated from Mercyhurst High School and from Trinity College in Washington D.C., subsequently teaching math at Academy High School. Mary was a member of St Peter Cathedral for over 70 years and served as a Eucharistic minister.

On September 6, 1952, she married the love of her life, August Joseph (A.J.) Scolio, Jr. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage and together raised six children. She was unwavering in her devotion to her family.

She served her community as a member of the Junior League of Erie and of the Saint Peter Women’s Council. She also volunteered as a tutor at the International Institute, as a “Red Coat” at St. Vincent Hospital and as a server at Emmaus soup kitchen. 

Her sense of humor was a constant throughout her life. She loved to spend time with others and never turned down an invitation to a party. She was known for her positive attitude, her bright smile and her even brighter red lipstick. Painting, traveling, golf, tennis, reading and playing bridge and rummy were some of her favorite pastimes. 

She cherished time with her grandchildren and was their greatest cheerleader. She and A.J. will be fondly remembered for their countless pool parties, their memorable holiday celebrations, and numerous gatherings with their dear supper club friends.

In addition to her parents and stepmother, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her son-in-law Greg Giannelli, and her siblings, Bernard Quinn, Margaret Dwyer, James Quinn, Katrina Weschler, Jack Quinn and Frances Buseck. 

She is survived by her children Anne (Bob) Halper, Chagrin Falls, OH; August Joseph Scolio, III, Ph.D., Cupertino, CA; Julie (Dave) Sanner, Erie; Amy (Daniel) Chardeen, Erie; John (Rebecca) Scolio, Raleigh, NC; and Joanie Giannelli, Erie. She is further survived by seven grandchildren, Emily (Drew) Whiting, Laura (Calum) Ormiston, Jonathan and Elizabeth Halper, Jacquelyn and Jeffrey Giannelli, and Angela Chardeen, and two great-grandchildren, Annie and August Whiting, and one on the way. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family and friends may call at St Peter Cathedral, 230 West 10th Street, on Friday, January 10th, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at which time a Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Emmaus Soup Kitchen, 218 East 11th Street, Erie, PA 16503, or Mercyhurst Preparatory School, 538 East Grandview Blvd., Erie, PA 16504. 

Mary’s family would like to thank the caregivers at St. Mary’s Asbury Ridge for the love and kindness they showed her.

Arrangements by the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, West Ridge.

Send condolences to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com