Joseph A. Skarote

STRUTHERS -- Joseph A. Skarote, 81, died peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, at his home with his family by his side.

Joe was born on March 20, 1945, in Youngstown, a son of Henry and Minnie Vivo Skarote.

He was a 1964 graduate of South High School and earned his bachelor's degree in business from Youngstown State University.

Joe was a United States Army veteran, having served in Vietnam. He worked in marketing for FirstEnergy, retiring in 2000.

He enjoyed having breakfast with his friends, golfing and watching "Gunsmoke."

Joe is survived by his wife, the former Christine Modarelli, whom he married on Oct. 5, 1968; his daughter, Michelle Skarote of Struthers; his son, Anthony (Lisa) Skarote of Mineral Ridge; his sister, Elizabeth Mirone of Ocean View, New Jersey; and his granddaughter, Taylor Skarote.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his sisters, Katherine Hickey, Josephine Casalini and Mary Salreno; and his brothers, Samuel, Gerald and James Skarote.

Calling hours will be from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, 2726 Center Road.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1 p.m. at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, with military honors at the church.

Joe will be laid to rest privately in Calvary Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel. Family and friends are invited to visit www.higgins-reardon.com to share memories and condolences.