Beloved Educator John “Jack” Scirocco Passes Away at 84

John “Jack” Scirocco, a cherished educator and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, at the age of 84. Surrounded by his loving family, Jack left behind a legacy that spanned over five decades in education, impacting countless children in the process.

Born on September 19, 1941, in Schenectady, New York, Jack was the son of the late John and Constance (Leone) Scirocco. He graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in 1959 and pursued higher education at Niagara University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1963. Continuing his academic journey, he later obtained a master’s degree from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York.

After joining the Army National Guard in New York and New Jersey in 1963, Jack transitioned to the Army Reserves in 1965, serving on Hillside Avenue in Schenectady. His military service was a testament to his commitment to his community and country.

Jack’s personal life blossomed when he met his future wife, Carol Malizia, on February 12, 1965, at DiAmante’s restaurant, now known as Lucca’s, on Nott Street in Schenectady. They married on June 25, 1966, and together raised three daughters, building a life filled with love, faith, and family values.

His professional journey began at Mount Carmel Elementary School in Schenectady, where he taught sixth grade. Jack continued his career in the Schenectady School District for five years before dedicating 27 years to teaching third grade at Fort Edward Union Free Elementary School in Fort Edward, New York. After serving a total of 33 years in public education, he joined Carol at their family-run Lil’ Bits Daycare, nurturing young minds for an additional 17 years. This remarkable commitment culminated in a legacy of 50 years in education.

Jack was not only passionate about teaching; he was also an avid sports enthusiast. His love for baseball began in childhood, culminating in a celebrated achievement when he and his Schenectady Little League teammates won the 1954 Little League World Series Championship in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. This accomplishment remains honored in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Proudly wearing his Yankees cap, Jack’s enthusiasm for baseball and basketball never waned. He was a member of the “Starting Five” on Mount Pleasant High School’s championship basketball team in 1959 and forged lifelong friendships with his teammates.

Beyond sports, Jack found joy in woodworking, music, and family vacations on the beaches of Maine. His greatest pride was his family, which included his beloved wife of 59 years, Carol, their daughters Michele (John, IV) Moynihan, Mia Scirocco, and Marisa (Christopher) Benoit, and grandsons Cameron and Kieran Rhodes. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Jane Matousek and Madeline Chirico, and was predeceased by his brother, Peter Scirocco.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects 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, 400 Saratoga Road, in Glenville, New York, with interment at Park Cemetery in Scotia, New York.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Jack’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. Arrangements are being handled by Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, and condolences can be shared by visiting Jack’s Book of Memories at www.TownleyWheelerFH.com.