August Scolio

August Joseph (A. J.) Scolio Jr., 90, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2016.
He was born in Erie on November 23, 1925, to August Joseph and Josephine (Palmisano) Scolio.
A.J. graduated from Stanton Military Academy in 1943 and from Gannon University in 1947. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served at Fort Eustis, VA, during the Korean Conflict.
On September 6th, 1952, he married the love of his life, Mary Quinn Scolio.  They enjoyed 63 years of marriage and together raised six children.  
He worked along with his father at the family-owned business, United Fruit and Produce Company. He continued to own and operate the business until his retirement.
A.J. served as vice president of the Serra Club, and as president of both the Northwest Pennsylvania Food Council and the Glenwood Association.  He was a long-time board member of Harborcreek Youth Services and was named Harborcreek “Friend of the Year” in 1993.  He volunteered with the Courage to Come Back Project.  He was a Corporator of St Vincent Health System.  A.J. was a life-long member of St Peter Cathedral and served as a lector and usher for many years.  He was also a life-long member of the Erie Historical Society.  He was a member of the Maennechor Club, the Elks Club, and formerly of the Kahkwa Club.
A.J. enjoyed golf, reading, gardening, oil painting, sculpting, playing bridge, and cooking for his family.  He adored his seven grandchildren and couldn’t resist boasting about them.  His sense of humor was appreciated by many.  His positive outlook, varied interests, love for family and friends, and the care of some very good doctors contributed to his long and wonderful life.
In addition to his parents, A.J. was preceded in death by his sisters, Violet Waldron, and Jean Jan Janin Kleiner, and his son-in-law Greg Giannelli.
He is survived by his beloved wife Mary,  and his children Anne Halper (Bob) of Chagrin Falls, OH; Jay Scolio,PhD of San Jose, CA; John Scolio (Rebecca) of Raleigh, NC; and Julie Sanner (David), Amy Chardeen (Daniel), and Joanie Giannelli, all of Erie.  He is further survived by his seven grandchildren, Emily Whiting (Drew), Laura Sanner, Jonathan and Elizabeth Halper, Jacquelyn and Jeffrey Giannelli, and Angela Chardeen.  He is also survived by his sister, Marian Musarra, sisters- in- law Frances Buseck and Patricia Quinn, and brother-in-law, Retired Vice Admiral Thomas Weschler.  He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.  
Friends and family may call at John J. Quinn Funeral Home, 728 West 9th Street, on Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and are invited to attend a Prayer Service there Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Peter Cathedral. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.  
Memorials may be made to Harborcreek Youth Services, 5712 Iroquois Avenue, Harborcreek, PA 16421 or Emmaus Soup Kitchen, 218 East 11th Street, Erie, PA 16503.