Joseph “Giuseppe” Scalora

Joseph “Giuseppe” Scalora passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home on 11/26/2021.  Joseph was born to Mariano and Carmela Scalora in Sicily on 11/24/1934, the sixth of seven children. After finishing 5th grade, he left school to apprentice to a barber where he would work to earn money for the family.  As a young man, he enjoyed racing motorcycles and playing soccer.  In 1955, he immigrated to the United States where he lived with one of his brothers in Chester, PA.  He enrolled in night school to learn English and worked in a barbershop while obtaining his US citizenship.  He became a licensed barber in 1958 and continued his education, enrolling in cosmetology school to become a hair stylist.  In 1961, he became a US citizen, a goal of his since he was a little boy.  Shortly after, he became reacquainted with the love of his life, Sarina, who was his childhood sweetheart in his hometown in Sicily.  Their relationship would last decades. They married in 1962 and moved to Eddystone, PA.  In 1966, they moved to Wilmington, DE where they raised their two children, Carmela and Mario.  Joseph worked hard to provide for his family.  This hard work and dedication paid off and in 1967, he was able to open his own beauty shop in Wilmington, Delaware. He was extremely proud of this accomplishment. His continued success allowed him to build his own building and open a larger salon and gift shop in 1971. Mario Joseph Beauty Salon was a fixture in Claymont.  Joseph proudly worked there until his retirement in 2002.  Joseph worked hard all his life, but nothing was more important to him than his family. He loved his wife, children and grandchildren with all his heart and frequently told them so.  Spending time and sharing a meal with his loved ones always made him smile.  

 Despite working long hours, Joseph still found time to help others. He would volunteer to cut hair for children at A.I. duPont Children’s Hospital and for patients in nursing homes in the area. He was also a member of the Lions Club where he donated time to collect money for charities.  

During his retirement, he and his wife Sarina spent the summers in Wildwood, NJ and the winters in Orlando, Florida where he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, dancing, playing cards and bocce.  He was proud to be an American and would stop and place his hand over his heart during the playing of the national anthem no matter where he was.  Joseph welcomed everyone in his home and embraced them as family.    

Joseph is survived by his wife of 59 years Sarina, his brother Carmen, his children, Carmela Skomorucha (David) and Mario Scalora of Wilmington, DE, his grandchildren, Lauren, Adam, Caroline & Charlotte. 

In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his brothers Phillip, Rosario, Salvatore, and his sisters Ninetta and Rose.  

Joseph’s family would like to thank Heartland Hospice who helped care for him.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to:  American Macular Degeneration Foundation  P.O. Box 515  Northampton, Massachusetts 01061-0515.  https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E331225&id=4 

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