John “Jack” Scirocco, an esteemed educator and beloved community member, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, at the age of 84, surrounded by his family in Scotia, New York. His legacy as a dedicated teacher and passionate sportsman has left an indelible mark on the lives of those he touched.
Born on September 19, 1941, in Schenectady, Jack was the son of John and Constance Scirocco. He graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in 1959 and furthered his education by earning a bachelor’s degree from Niagara University in 1963. He later completed a master’s degree at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York. Jack’s commitment to serving his country began in 1963 when he joined the Army National Guard, continuing his service with the Army Reserves in Schenectady until 1965.
In a twist of fate, Jack met his future wife, Carol Malizia, on February 12, 1965, at DiAmante’s restaurant, now known as Lucca’s on Nott Street. After marrying on June 25, 1966, the couple built a life founded on love and family, raising three daughters together.
Jack devoted his professional life to education, beginning as a sixth-grade teacher at Mount Carmel Elementary School in Schenectady. He later spent five years in the Schenectady School District before dedicating the next 27 years to teaching third grade at Fort Edward Union Free Elementary School. After 33 years in the public school system, Jack continued his commitment to education by joining Carol at their family-run Lil’ Bits Daycare, nurturing children for an additional 17 years. His remarkable career totals an impressive 50 years in education.
Jack’s passion for sports, particularly baseball and basketball, was evident throughout his life. As a child, he played on the Schenectady Little League team that won the 1954 Little League World Series Championship in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, an achievement that has been honored in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Known for his unwavering support of the New York Yankees, Jack remained a devoted baseball fan at all levels. He also played basketball for Mount Pleasant High School, where he was a proud member of the 1959 Championship Team.
Beyond sports, Jack enjoyed woodworking, music, and cherished family vacations on the beaches of Maine. His pride and joy were always his family. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol; daughters Michele (John, IV) Moynihan, Mia Scirocco, and Marisa (Christopher) Benoit; grandsons Cameron and Kieran Rhodes; and sisters Mary Jane Matousek and Madeline Chirico. He was predeceased by his brother, Peter Scirocco.
A gathering to honor Jack’s life will be held on November 10, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, located at 21 Midline Road in Ballston Lake, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, situated at 400 Saratoga Road in Glenville. Interment will take place at Park Cemetery in Scotia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Jack’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, located at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to Shriners Hospitals for Children, at 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, where condolences can be shared by visiting Jack’s Book of Memories at www.TownleyWheelerFH.com. Jack Scirocco’s legacy of love, education, and sportsmanship will be remembered by all who knew him.
