White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – Mitchell Lee Scolaro, 65 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died Tuesday, July 21, 2026, following a sudden illness.

Celebration of Life gathering will be 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. - Saturday, August 1, 2026, at The Crowbar in Independence.

Mitchell “Mitch” Scolaro was born February 17, 1961, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Marion “Bud” and Peggy “Penny” (Saur) Scolaro. He attended school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and graduated from Kennedy High School with the class of 1979, where he excelled in wrestling and gymnastics.

Mitch was a talented musician, following in the footsteps of his parents. He loved to write music, sing, and play the guitar.

Mitch worked in the construction industry and built house. In 1986, he married Theresa “Terri” Symonds. Together they had Tony. The couple would later divorce. By chance, he met Jackie Nielson and together they had Paige. Jackie and Mitch remained close for many years. Mitch worked in the construction business building houses both in Iowa and in South Carolina where he lived before moving back to Iowa. He was most recently employed by Pries Enterprises in Independence.

Mitch is survived by his children, Tony Scolaro of Cedar Rapids, and Paige Nielson Scolaro of Independence; one sister, Kelly (Tom) Murdock of Richmond, Virginia; and his special friend, Jackie Nielson of Independence.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Vincent Scolaro.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com

White Funeral Home, Independence, is caring for the family.