Joan Z. Bukovitz

Joan Z. Bukovitz (Scarpino) died February 20, 2017 at Asbury Gardens in North Aurora. She was 94 years old. In her final days and hours Joan was surrounded by her sons, and family members. Joan was born in Dayton, Ohio on June 14, 1922 to Antonina and Carl Zambuto. Joan's life was devoted to her five sons. Following the death of her first husband, Aurora Police Officer Frank J. Scarpino on August 21, 1961 Joan was left to raise her five sons. The following was written in the Aurora Beacon News on July 1, 1979 about our mother as a Mother's Day tribute. "After Dad died the five of us needed support more than ever. You were always there when we needed you. Today some people might feel that spending 35 years raising five sons is impossible. Especially being the only parent for 17 years. But you didn't give up. You spent time with each of us. You taught us, you encouraged us, you kept the family together. This past May the youngest of us graduated from college. That makes the fifth brother to complete college. Three of us have already completed our Master's Degrees. Four of us are raising families on our own. We all thought it was time to read about some of your accomplishments in the paper. Thanks Mom, we could not have done it without you. We love you, Frank, Joe, Bob, David and Tony Scarpino" Today (2017), all of Mom's sons have Master's Degrees and two have Doctorate Degrees. All of her sons were in the field of education either as a teacher, counselor, department chairperson, or superintendent. All were high school or middle school coaches. Two of her sons are in the Hall of Fame: The Aurora East Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. Joan is survived by her five sons: Frank J. (Donna) Scarpino II, Joseph J. (Kathleen) Scarpino, Robert M. (Linda) Scarpino, David J. (Jill) Scarpino, and Anthony P. (Renae) Scarpino. In addition, Joan is survived by 13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. A private memorial service is being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care, 1550 Bishop Court, Mount Prospect, IL 60056. You can identify the person in whom the donation is made; (Joan Bukovitz), and that you would like the money to be used for the area of greatest need/patient care. Then include your name, address, amount of donation, and if you want to be included (or not) in mailings.