Kathleen P. Scola Obituary

With profound love and sorrow, we announce the passing of Kathleen P. (Palazzola) Scola who entered into eternal rest surrounded by her loving family.

Kathleen, 87, was born in Gloucester on May 15, 1938, to Vito and Anna Palazzolo. She was the devoted wife of the late John B. Scola, her husband of 60 years. Kathleen's deeply rooted and unwavering devotion to her Catholic faith showed in many ways, particularly how she always brought her family together for the holidays, and especially religious holidays. She had a deep devotion to St. Joseph, carrying on the traditions passed down from her mother, Anna. She erected a St. Joseph alter and held a novena every year on St. Joseph's Day, March 19th. Kathleen was the matriarch of her family, not only raising her own children but many of her nieces and nephews as well. She lived her life guided by prayer, compassion, selflessness and a strong devotion to those she loved. Her faith and family were priorities every day of her life.

She loved cooking and baking traditional Sicilian dishes and cookies for all the holidays. She was an avid local sports fan and a member of the Victoria Rocky Post in Beverly Mass for 35 years. Kathleen was the center of her family - the steady presence, the guiding light, and the heart that held everyone together. Her legacy will live on through all who were blessed to know her.

She is survived by her son, John B. Scola Jr. and his wife Vincie Scola; daughters, Annalee Aiello and her husband Mike Aiello and Lisa Scola and her husband Sean Curcuru. She was a proud and adoring grandmother to Kathleen Pierce, Geraldine Mazzeo and her husband Keith Mazzeo, Alexis Palazzolo, Kaylee Curcuru and Juliana Curcuru. She was also a treasured great-grandmother to Trent Pierce, Alec Pierce, Jack Mazzeo, and Charlie Mazzeo, each of whom brought her immense joy.

She is also survived by her sister, Francis (Palazzola) Cavanaugh; sisters-in-law, Lia Scola and Josie Palazzolla; special nephew, Chris A. Palazzola and his wife Phyllis Palazzolla; special nieces, Rosanne Wayernen, Andrea Souza, AnnMarie Parisi, and Ann and Anna Palazzola, along with many other beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins, extended family members, and longtime friends who were blessed by her love, kindness and sacrifices. One of which was donating a kidney to her beloved brother, Joe Palazzolla, a reflection of her extraordinary love, courage, and faith.

Kathleen was a loving mother to her predeceased daughter and best friend, Pauline F. Scola.

Though we grieve her loss deeply, we take comfort in knowing she is now at peace, reunited with her family and the Lord she served so faithfully."Well, done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:21.

A visitation will be held in St. Ann's Church, Holy Family Parish on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by a Mass celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Gloucester, MA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, Arrangements by Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930.

Keep Kathleen's legacy alive by donating to a charity in need.