John “Jack” Scirocco, a cherished educator and passionate sportsman, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, at the age of 84, surrounded by his family. Born on September 19, 1941, in Schenectady, New York, Jack was the son of the late John and Constance (Leone) Scirocco. His life was marked by a commitment to education and a profound love for his family.
Jack graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in 1959 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Niagara University in 1963. He furthered his education by completing a master’s degree at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York. In 1963, Jack enlisted in the Army National Guard, serving in both New York and New Jersey. He transitioned to the Army Reserves in 1965, continuing to serve his country with honor.
Jack’s personal life flourished when he met 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 created a loving home, raising three daughters together.
As a dedicated educator, Jack began his teaching career at Mount Carmel Elementary School in Schenectady, where he taught sixth grade. He later joined the Schenectady School District for five years before spending an impressive 27 years teaching third grade at Fort Edward Union Free Elementary School. Following his retirement after 33 years in public education, Jack continued his passion for teaching by joining Carol at Lil’ Bits Daycare, the family business. Together, they nurtured young minds for an additional 17 years, leaving a legacy of over 50 years in education.
Jack’s love for sports was evident throughout his life. Baseball, in particular, held a special place in his heart. At just 12 years old, he and his team from Schenectady won the 1954 Little League World Series Championship in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, an achievement honored in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. An avid New York Yankees fan, Jack cherished his connection to baseball at all levels. He also played basketball for Mount Pleasant High School, proudly contributing to the 1959 Championship Team as a member of the “Starting Five.”
Beyond his sports and teaching endeavors, Jack enjoyed woodworking, music, and family vacations on the beaches of Maine. His greatest pride, however, was always his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Carol (Malizia) Scirocco; their daughters, Michele (John, IV) Moynihan, Mia Scirocco, and Marisa (Christopher) Benoit; two grandsons, Cameron and Kieran Rhodes; and his sisters, Mary Jane Matousek and Madeline Chirico. He was predeceased by his brother, Peter Scirocco.
Family and friends 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, 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, Glenville, New York. Jack will be interred at Park Cemetery in Scotia, New York.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jack’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, or Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, Florida 33607. The arrangements are entrusted to Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, where condolences may be shared by visiting Jack’s Book of Memories at www.TownleyWheelerFH.com.
