ANNETTE SCARDILLI

Annette M. Scardilli (nee Mellino) was just 19 when she traveled by ship from the U.S. to Sicily in 1947 with her mother to attend a cousin’s wedding.  Little did she know that trip would forever  change the trajectory of her life.  It was at that wedding that she met Mario Scardilli, the most charming, handsome man in town. He was struck by her beauty and great legs, and his midnight guitar serenade captured her heart.  Her “date with Mario” turned into a love affair that lasted nearly 60 years until he passed in 2006. They were blessed with three children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

Annette, 96, died on February 22, 2024, near her home in Avon, Oh.  Born January 1, 1928, Annette was a devoted wife, a hardworking mother, a street-smart, savvy,classy, strong woman ahead of her time.  Her very sharp mind, matching wit and innate ability to detect all pretense served her well, even to her very last days. She was the perfect complement to Mario in their many civic, social and cultural responsibilities. She ran a tight ship throughout her professional career, most notably serving for 30 years as the unflappable state office manager of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, Order Sons of Italy in America.  

Her children, grandchildren and many nieces and nephews sought out her unvarnished truth and keen understanding of human nature to help them guide their decisions and find their way. They knew if they wanted the honest truth, she would give it, and she would call it like she sees it.  In her later years, she was a steady, faithful, thoughtful companion to many among her strong circle of friends.

Woven throughout you could always find Annette hosting family and friends and creating delicious culinary masterpieces: the Sunday family dinners, holiday feasts, Italian cookies, homemade pizza, fried dough, sfinci, apple pie, veal cutlet sandwiches, Christmas cannoli and so much more. 

Annette is survived by her daughters Virginia “Ginny” Pippin, Diana Scardilli, and Linda Scardilli Krecic (Dennis). She is the cherished Grandmother of Nina (Matthew) Rodgers, Michael (Kayla) Pippin, Olivia Welter and Joseph and Anthony “Anton” (Christa) Krecic. Loving Great Grandmother to Eddie Rodgers and Crew and Knox Pippin. Dear sister to Richard V. (Joyce) Mellino (both deceased) and sister-in-law to Salvetta Brogan (Mike) of Bay Village. Cherished Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Treasured friend of her dear neighbors and bible study companions at Avenbury Lakes. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 in St. Ladislaus Church, 2345 Bassett Road, Westlake, Ohio at 10:00 AM. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Avon, Ohio. The family will receive friends THE McGORRAY-HANNA FUNERAL HOME OF WESTLAKE, 25620 CENTER RIDGE RD. (WEST OF COLUMBIA) Monday 4 – 7 PM