Joan Lee (Williams) Scalise

UTICA - Joan Lee (Williams) Scalise entered eternal rest in the comfort and dignity of her home, lovingly cared for by her family, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. As the matriarch of the family, she is met with open arms by her loving husband of 64 years, Frank Scalise, and those loved ones who have gone before her: parents, Chester and Bessie (Rice) Williams, sister, Linda “Gale” Williams, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Otavio and Carmella (Clerico) Scalise; and in-laws, Anthony Scalise, Margaret and George Picente, Josephine and Joseph Fasone, Philomena Scalise, Pasquale and Rosalie (Luvera) Scalise, Mary Scalise, Beatrice and Albert Bauer, Rose and Stuart Service, Nicholas and Ruth Scalise, and Joseph A. Scalise. Born and raised in West Winfield, NY, on May 29, 1932, Joan is survived by her six children; CarmenLee, Frank and Irene (Santagata), Steven, Vincent, Kim Meola, and Carla; grandchildren, Gloria and Joe Piazza, Renee Scalise and John Mutchler III, Frank, Mark, Trevor and his fiancé Suada Dervisevic, Jake Meola and Trissa Gatto, and Breezy; great-grandchildren, Ana Lucia Mattson, Vivienne Mattson, Isaac Mutchler, and John Mutchler IV. She also leaves behind her beloved dog and companion, Maggie Mae, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. As a woman of great character, she was deeply devoted to her family, church, and community. She was the embodiment of grace, elegance, integrity, and deep empathy for others. Joan’s thirty-five plus years in public service is evidence of this. She spent many years working at Roosevelt School and served as President of the PTA. She began working for the City of Utica in 1978. Her commitment to public service reached a milestone when she was elected the first and only female City Comptroller in 1997, a position she held until reaching her term limit in 2005. She then served on the Utica Common Council from 2006 to 2011. Joan loved and enjoyed precious time with family and life-long friends, Bernard “Ben” and Antoinette “Toni” Turi. She also cherished the trips with her husband Frank, other family members, and John and Mirella Longeretta to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida. There they would connect with old and new friends, sharing meals, camaraderie, and laughter - creating memories that lasted a lifetime. Joan will be interred with her late husband in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of her family. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Joan’s honor may be made to: - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate - Anita’s Stevens-Swan Humane Society online at www.anitas-sshs.org/donate - 50-Forward Mohawk Valley Parkway Center online at www.50forwardmv.org/sponsors/donations-gifts

Joan Lee (Williams) Scalise

May 29, 1932 - January 7, 2026