Joan Scolarici

Joan Ellyn Donovan Scolarici, 94, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, and is now reunited in eternal rest with her beloved husband, Thomas “Tom” Scolarici.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 10, 1932, Joan was the cherished daughter of the late James and Meta (Heissenbuttel) Donovan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom, and her three brothers: James, Bernard, and Brian.

Joan’s early years were shaped by life on Rockaway Beach, the challenges and resilience of the World War II era, her Catholic education, treasured friendships, and her natural talent for basketball. She often spoke fondly of these formative memories. After graduating from Stella Maris High School in 1950, she began her career in Manhattan with the New York Telephone Company.

On Halloween Day in 1959, Joan married Tom Scolarici, joining his warm and lively Italian family. She continued working until the birth of their first son in 1960. Over the next four years, Joan welcomed four children, embracing motherhood with devotion. Becoming a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother brought her the greatest joy of her life.

In 1975, the Scolarici family moved from Garnerville, New York, to Gulf Breeze, Florida. Joan guided her family through this transition with humor, strength, and love, quickly becoming part of the Gulf Breeze community. She raised her four children there and built a life rooted in faith, family, and service.

Joan worked for more than twenty years as an administrator for Midway Water System in Midway, Florida, retiring in 1997. Her retirement, however, never extended to her faith. A devoted Catholic, Joan served as a Eucharistic Minister at both St. Ann’s Catholic Church and St. Sylvester’s in Gulf Breeze.

After Hurricane Ivan destroyed the family home, Joan relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she lived near her son Joseph, who cared for her with unwavering love and support. She became a faithful member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Oakland Park.

Joan loved traveling to visit her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren across the country. She delighted in keeping up with her nine grandchildren especially through Facebook and remained deeply connected to her family’s lives.

Joan will be remembered for her humor, kindness, and lifelong love of history. She leaves behind her four children: Thomas (Alicia), Joseph, Joan (Bob), and Kathleen (Pat); nine grandchildren: Thomas III, Timothy, Kristin, Andy, Katie, Meg, Daniel, Michael, and Kevin; fourteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to gather on June 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM for visitation and the recitation of the rosary at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 100 Daniel Dr., Gulf Breeze, FL. A funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM, celebrated by her nephew, Fr. John Licari. Joan will be laid to rest beside her beloved Tom at Bayview Fisher-Pou Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida.