Joseph F Scolaro

Joseph Frederick Scolaro, 80, devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away October 18, 2014, in the company of family.

Joe was born October 16, 1934, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the fifth of five children of Frederick Anton and Josephine Mary (Battaglia) Scolaro. He earned mechanical and industrial engineering degrees from Iowa State University, where he met his loving wife of 56 years, Gayle. Following graduation in 1957 Joe began his career as a Professional Engineer and went on to serve professional associations including ASHRAE and SAME, for whom he was a Fellow.

In retirement he contributed to the Dallas Catholic Diocese as well as the commercial and residential building commissions of McKinney's Stonebridge Ranch. Joe was an active member of Dallas' St. Patrick, All Saints and Prince of Peace Catholic parishes and, most recently, McKinney's St. Gabriel. He was especially proud to have been presented the Bishop's Award for Service to the Church from the Diocese of Dallas. Among Joe's other interests were travel, reading and sports.

Left to celebrate his life are Gayle; sister Mary McCumpsey, Holiday Island, AR; sons Philip Alan, Lubbock, TX; Vincent David, McKinney, TX; Gregory Frederick, McKinney, TX; and Joseph James, Fairview, TX; daughter Teresa Marie Tester, Greensboro, NC; daughters-in-law Margaret Scolaro and Susan Scolaro; future daughter-in-law Kathy Gardere; son-in-law Matthew Tester; and 14 grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brother Anthony; sisters Josephine and Dolores; infant children Stephen, Christopher and Julie; and daughter-in-law Susan Jane.

Family wishes to thank Joe's physicians and the caring staff of Medical Center of Plano, Plano Specialty Hospital and Baybrooke Village, McKinney.