Virginia (Russo) Scola

Virginia R. (Russo) Scola, 91, a longtime resident of Worcester, devoted wife, mother and grandmother passed away surrounded by loved ones at home Sunday, August 10th, 2025. Virginia is reunited in heaven with the love of her life of 64 years, Franklyn J. Scola, Jr. who passed away August 19, 2016.

Virginia was born in Providence R.I., the daughter of Joseph and Ruth (Kimball) Russo. She was raised in R.I., then enrolled in the University of Rhode Island where she met and married Franklyn. They settled in Worcester where Virginia treasured the role of wife and mother while raising their family. Virginia was influential in starting the family businesses Absco Pest Control over 65 years ago and The Tatnuck Driving Range where she truly enjoyed spending time.

Virginia is survived by the family she loves; her three children, Kathleen A. Novia and her husband David, whom she believed to be her third son, Franklyn J. Scola III and his wife Karen, all of Worcester, and Kerry J. Scola with whom she lived. Her five grandchildren whom she cherished: Michael Novia and his wife Jessica, Ryan Novia and his wife Kristin, Nicole Scola Simon and her husband Jeb, Anthony Scola and his wife Theona, and Franklyn J. Scola IV. Her eight great grandchildren; Anthony, Lily, Chloe, Harper, Sophie, Brody, Emma and Marley. She additionally is survived by three sisters, June Petrutto, and Joyce Kennedy of N. Providence R.I., and Cynthia Vuona of Worcester as well as nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church and the Condominium Association in Pompano Beach Florida. Along with Franklyn, they enjoyed bowling and were members of several bowling leagues. She enjoyed spending her summers at their Rhode Island home and winters in Pompano Beach FL. In Virginia’s life, nothing was more important than family, a kind soul with a huge heart, giant smile and extraordinary wisdom. She believed her husband, children and grandchildren always came first in life. Virginia was very generous with her love, and time and helped anyone she could.

The Scola family would like to thank, especially, Dr. Daniel Massarelli for the care, compassion and comfort he gave Virginia. Also a special thanks to Edie Knight for her years of friendship.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family, Sunday, August 17th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Her funeral will be held, Monday, August 18th from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Providence, St Bernards Church, 228 Lincoln Street, where her funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery.