URGENT UPDATE: John “Jack” Scirocco, a beloved educator and community figure, has passed away at the age of 84. He peacefully left this world on November 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in Scotia, New York.
Jack was born on September 19, 1941, in Schenectady, New York. He was a lifelong educator whose commitment to teaching spanned 50 years. After earning his degree from Niagara University in 1963, he began his impactful career at Mount Carmel Elementary School and later dedicated 27 years to teaching third grade at Fort Edward Union Free Elementary School. His legacy in education continued at his family-run daycare, Lil’ Bits, where he nurtured children for an additional 17 years.
Jack’s influence extended beyond the classroom; he was a passionate sportsman. At just 12 years old, he achieved a remarkable feat by helping his Schenectady Little League team win the 1954 Little League World Series, an honor celebrated in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. A proud Yankees fan, he carried his love for baseball throughout his life, and his athletic spirit shone as a member of the 1959 Championship Basketball Team at Mount Pleasant High School.
Survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Carol Malizia Scirocco, and their three daughters, Jack’s family was his pride and joy. He is also remembered by two grandsons, Cameron and Kieran Rhodes, and his two sisters, Mary Jane Matousek and Madeline Chirico. Jack was preceded in death by his brother, Peter Scirocco.
Friends and family can pay their respects on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Road, Ballston Lake, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, located at 400 Saratoga Road, Glenville, NY. He will be laid to rest at Park Cemetery in Scotia.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children to honor Jack’s legacy of caring for children.
Arrangements are being handled by Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home. Condolences can be shared through Jack’s Book of Memories at www.TownleyWheelerFH.com.
This heartfelt loss resonates deeply within the community, highlighting Jack’s extraordinary impact on generations of students and families.
