Carmela E. Scalise

Carmela E. Vitale Scalise, 80, of Erie, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2024. She was born April 24, 1944 in Forli del Sannio, Italy, a daughter of the late Antimo and Emelia (Mozzocco) Vitale.

Her family was blessed with a successful journey, (one week by boat), to the shores of America in 1954. After learning the English language and graduating from Strong Vincent HS, she attended Villa Maria College, in order to become a school teacher. She found joy in teaching the younger children, while watching them grow. She taught briefly before her children were born. With her selfless nature she left the classroom to start a family. Within those years, she raised her children with much dedication, commitment, love, and pride.

As she grew, she was always very conscious of Jesus and His love. Her love for the Savior was actively displayed through her great compassion and love for others. She always enjoyed learning and finding the truth. Her daily life as a homemaker exuded gratitude and contentment.

After her children finished college, it was with great joy that they helped her relocate back to Erie. In Erie, she was able to spend many years loving friends and family. She cherished buying her own home and living in Erie. At home she enjoyed cooking and baking for everyone. She adored her two grandchildren, Alessandra and Angelo. While the summer months approached, she eagerly awaited playing bocce at Blessed Sacrament church with all of the ladies. While known to be a bit competitive on the bocce court, she regularly expressed her gratitude and appreciation for those that she was surrounded by when playing.

Since love builds up, her life and engagement with others was always constructive.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16)

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her four brothers, Sam, Michael, Remo, and Bruno Vitale and one sister, Maria Altadonna. She is survived by her twin sons, Joseph A. Scalise, Jr. and Michael J. Scalise; her daughter, Liana M. Scalise-Park and her husband Brian Park; a sister, Ann Groenendaal and her husband Gene Groenendaal Sr.; sister-in-law, Silvia Vitale; and two grandchildren, Alessandra and Angelo Park. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and may attend a Service there on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1626 West 26th Street, Erie, PA 16508, at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. Memorials may be made to Blessed Sacrament food pantry.