Molly Deluna Scavuzzo

Molly Scavuzzo (Amalia Bibina DeLuna) age 93 peacefully went to be with her Heavenly Father in January of 2020.

Molly was preceded in death by her husband, Santo Scavuzzo, and parents, Frank and Carmela Misciascia DeLuna. She is survived: by her daughter Sandra (Jim) Harvey, of the home and son, John A (Pam) Scavuzzo of Overland Park, KS., seven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

Molly's greatest joy in life was family, beginning in her toddler years when her mother taught her to make a comfortable home for all, learning to cook delicious meals, particularly pasta for Sunday family gatherings. She welcomed all into her spotless home and could not enjoy herself until she was sure each guest was adequately (by her standards) sated, continuously rising to fill glasses, etc.. She seldom sat and conversations with her were held as she hosted. No meal was complete until her much requested and greatly appreciated cheesecake was served.

Molly was born in December on Christmas Day, so her birthday melded with Christmas tradition and was never "her" special day as a child. This was four years after her parents arrived in Kansas City from Reggio de Calabria, Bisignano, Cosenza, Italy. They settled in the Italian neighborhood near City Market by Molly's Zia Rosaria (Joe) Balano and cousins, Dominick, Phil, Josephine, and maternal grandparents, Dominick an Anna Calabrese Misciascia. They were also near her paternal uncle and two aunts, who also had come from Bisignano, as well as others who had helped make the move to America possible. Their housing was minimal, as it was for many and did not include indoor plumbing for several years.

English was not spoken in the home or neighborhood, so Molly started school only speaking Italian. She always enjoyed school and learning with her friends, always striving to please her teachers. Manual High School sports were especially important and Molly excelled in basketball and volleyball. She graduated high school with the title "Miss Athlete".

In addition to sports and cooking, Molly achieved being an accomplished seamstress, designing and making her own clothes. Her desire to continue design school was not possible for many reasons, including, WW2 and funding. Eventually, Molly did work for a short time for KC designer, Phil Jacobs. Her design talents were put to use when her family bought their first home. Molly was sixteen years old. She scraped, painted, selected dcor and sewed curtains, drapes and bedding. Molly was excited to have the house complete and waiting for her older brother, Lou, to return from the war in Europe. The first Christmas tree was put up in 1944 and left up until Lou arrived home in August. The tree was barren of all needles, the unwrapped presents were a bit worn, but the lights and spirit greatly illuminated all hearts.

Her parents and brother built a new house during the high school years, and Molly spent many, many hours helping her brother make decisions in every aspect of the house. She made all the drapes, window coverings, coordinated all the dcor and furnishings. Her creativity had found an outlet.

Molly had several "would be" beaux, but her Father had Old World customs and kept tight control over whom she could see. Her dates had to be chaperoned and she tells one story of going to dinner with her date and chaperones. When asked if she wanted a cocktail, she requested a shrimp cocktail . She laughs at her "sophistication".

Molly married Santo Scavuzzo, who was greatly approved by her parents, as he came from a good family who had a butcher shop. As Molly's mother said, she would not go hungry. The first time Molly and Santo were alone was their wedding day.

They lived with Molly's parents for several years, until they would afford a home just five blocks away. Here they raised their two children, John and Sandra. Molly kept her house and her mother's house, did shopping for both households, etc., in addition to having dinner on the table when her husband arrived each evening to a clean house. Molly was room mother for both children, active in PTA and participated with Santo in Boy Scout activities, with Johnny attaining Eagle Scout. Molly was also very active in Girl Scouts with Sandra, being a den leader for several years, day camp, overnights, cookie drive, badge participation and other time and energy consuming ventures.

Education was extremely important to Molly and she wanted her children to achieve higher levels than had she and Santo, so, much was sacrificed to send John to Wentworth Military Academy, then KU. Sandra attended Catholic girls Loretto High School and then KU. While Sandra was in high school, Molly was chauffeur to school and extra curricular activities.

As the children did not need her full time, Molly wanted to use her energy and start a career working. For three years she was a successful salesperson with Russell Stover Candy. This job was good, but was not the career she wanted. Molly took an interest in S&S Meat Company which her husband now owned and went to work at the meat plant, literally learning the business from the ground up. This was an exciting and invigorating time for her and the family. After a few years, Santo became terminally ill. Molly took many, many months from work to care for him, selflessly providing care and comfort. Through the years Molly also had been caregiver to her mother and continued until her mother's passing.

After Santo passed and after a period to recuperate from caregiving, Molly returned to S&S as President and was active in affiliated business associations. After thirteen years Molly passed the business reins to son John.

Molly's time has been consumed with activities of grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. She has enjoyed season tickets at the music hall for live theatre, some travel, church, outings with her many close friends and family. She was always a close and caring sister to Lou, continuing to spoil him until his death. Lou's family was the recipient of her love, thoughtfulness and steadfastness.

In many ways, Molly believed she had untapped potential and wished to have had more education, freedom and support, such as she gave her children. Her family and those who knew and loved her, know that she achieved her greatest potential and talents in her gifts of time and love she gave to those she dearly and deeply loved... her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and all family. This achievement is strived for by many, but seldom achieved with the grace and style Molly gave. Her Story was one of always trying to please. We miss you already Mom.


SERVICES Visitation
Saturday, February 22, 2020 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Thomas More Church 11822 Holmes Road Kansas City, MO 64131
Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, February 22, 2020 11:00 AM
St. Thomas More Church 11822 Holmes Road Kansas City, MO 64131