Rosaria "Sarina" Scalora

Rosaria "Sarina" Scalora passed away peacefully with her family by her side on February 8, 2024.  Sarina was born to Carmela LoGuidice and Francesco D’Arro in Calatabiano, Sicily on October 1, 1934.  Raised in Sicily during World War II, she went to school until 5th grade then learned to sew, helping her family survive by working as a seamstress. After the war, she immigrated to the United States where she took up residence in Wilmington, Delaware. Using the skills she learned in Sicily, she quickly found work as a seamstress, making alterations to wedding dresses. Soon after immigrating, she was reunited with her childhood sweetheart, Joseph from their hometown in Sicily.  They married in 1962 and moved to Eddystone, Pennsylvania. In 1966, they moved to Wilmington, Delaware where they raised their two children, Carmela and Mario.

Sarina worked to ensure her family was prosperous and cared for. Although she did not work outside of the home, she was a true partner to her husband and was instrumental in the many ventures and success throughout their life. She always managed to make sure her husband, children, and her parents were taken care of. In the early 1980’s she and her husband purchased a seasonal rental property “Sarina Apartments” in Wildwood, New Jersey. Sarina met and became friends with people from all over the world.  Spending summers in Wildwood brought her much joy and happiness.   

For Sarina, food was love. She was a frugal shopper but was always able to create amazing meals for her family and anyone who stopped by. When you walked into her home, the first thing you frequently smelled was a pot of tomato sauce simmering on the stove. She could effortlessly turn a meal for four into a feast for eight or more and it was always delicious. Her tomato sauce was amazing and in 1998 she won best homemade sauce in the Wildwood Mama Mia Italian Festival.  During the holidays, she would make that sauce with meatballs and stuffed shells and deliver it to the doctors and staff who helped take care of her and Joseph. Each Christmas Eve was always special for her. She loved being with her family as they enjoyed the meals and pastries she prepared for them. Being together as a family and sharing a meal together meant everything to her. As she cooked, she loved sharing her recipes with her children and grandchildren. Her ability to cook simply but abundantly and deliciously was truly amazing.

Later in life, when she wasn’t cooking for her family, she enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Phillies on TV. She was always ready to cheer their victories and scowl at their losses. She shared this passion with her family, who were always ready to sit down with her and enjoy a game.

Sarina adored her husband of 59 years and was proud of her children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments.  She worked hard all her life, but nothing was more important to her than family.  During her retirement, she and her husband, Joseph, spent the summers in Wildwood, New Jersey and the winters in Orlando, Florida, where she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, dancing, playing cards, and cooking.  She led a very full life surrounded by friends and family who will miss her dearly.

Sarina is survived by her children, Carmela Skomorucha (David) and Mario Scalora of Wilmington, DE, her grandchildren, Lauren (Sam), Adam (Morgan), Caroline & Charlotte.

In addition to her parents, Sarina was preceded in death by her husband Joseph and brother Guiseppe D’Arro.  

A Mass of Christian Burial Will be Celebrated for Sarina on Saturday February 17, 2024 at 10:30am in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 9th & Dupont Street, Wilmington, DE.  Family and Friends are invited to a visitation, prior to Mass, starting at 9:00am in St. Anthony’s Church.  Internment will follow Mass in Cathedral Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to: Food Bank of Delaware, 222 Lake Drive, Newark, DE 19702 or www.fbd.org.

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