Maria Rose Scorcia

Maria “Mary” Rose Scorcia passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on December 15, 2025, at the age of 95. She was born on February 9, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York. Mary was raised in Palo del Colle, near the Adriatic coast in Puglia, Italy until the age of eight, when her family returned to the United States in January 1936.

Mary later wrote a memoir manuscript entitled Yesterday’s Child, recounting her early years in Italy and her experience immigrating to the U.S. She often shared cherished family stories, including memories of her father owning a candy store in Brooklyn. Perhaps this is where the family’s sweet tooth comes from.

Mary graduated from Queens Vocational High School in 1946 at the age of sixteen, specializing in garment operating, and from New York City’s Central High School of Needle Trades in June 1948. Her early training in the garment industry influenced not only her work but also her lifelong appreciation for style and fashion. After working in the garment district, she discovered her passion for accounting and bookkeeping. She was employed by Metropolitan Life Insurance and later worked with her family’s construction business, Scorcia & Diana.

On August 27, 1950, Mary married Michael Angelo Scorcia. A devoted wife, mother, and worker, she also found joy in sewing, crocheting, writing, and cooking—talents she lovingly shared with her family. A devout and faithful Catholic throughout her life, Mary’s faith was a guiding force that shaped her values, her devotion to family, and her quiet strength.

Mary was preceded in death by her son Gary; her husband Michael; her grandson Nicholas; her brothers Michael and Ted Scorcia; her sister Connie Cusumano; her mother, Marietta Tadino Scorcia; and her father, Antonio Scorcia.

She is survived by her sister, Nina Swengros; her son, Robert (Marie) Scorcia; her daughter, Jane (Michael) Martone; her grandchildren Carmella Scorcia, Grace (Kyle) Pontious, Dominic Martone, Bethany (Tom) Small, James Martone, Michael Martone, and Mary Martone; her great-grandchildren Christian, Santina, Frank, and Michael; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family welcomes all who knew and loved Mary to join them in celebrating her life.