John “Jack” Scirocco, an esteemed educator and devoted family man, passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on November 4, 2025, surrounded by his family in Scotia, New York. Born on September 19, 1941, to John and Constance (Leone) Scirocco, he dedicated his life to teaching and nurturing the next generation.
Jack graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in 1959 before earning his bachelor’s degree from Niagara University in 1963. He later completed a master’s degree at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. His commitment to service began in 1963 when he joined the Army National Guard, continuing with the Army Reserves in Schenectady until 1965.
A Legacy of Education and Community Service
Jack met his future wife, Carol Malizia, on February 12, 1965, at DiAmante’s restaurant, which is now known as Lucca’s on Nott Street. They married on June 25, 1966, and together built a life filled with love and faith while raising three daughters. Jack’s teaching career began at Mount Carmel Elementary School in Schenectady, where he inspired sixth-grade students. He later served in the Schenectady School District for five years before dedicating 27 years to teaching third grade at Fort Edward Union Free Elementary School.
After 33 years in public education, Jack continued his passion for teaching by joining Carol at Lil’ Bits Daycare, the family business she established. Together, they nurtured generations of children for an extraordinary additional 17 years, culminating in a remarkable 50-year legacy in education.
A Passion for Sports and Family
Jack’s love for sports, particularly baseball and basketball, was evident throughout his life. At the age of 12, he played a pivotal role in leading his Schenectady Little League team to victory in the 1954 Little League World Series Championship held in Williamsport, PA. This achievement is celebrated in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. He remained an avid baseball fan, proudly wearing his Yankees cap, while also cherishing his time as a member of the “Starting Five” on the 1959 Championship Basketball Team at Mount Pleasant High School.
Beyond sports, Jack enjoyed woodworking, music, and family vacations on the beaches of Maine. His family remained his greatest pride and joy throughout his life.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Carol (Malizia) Scirocco; 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.
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, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Glenville, NY. Interment will take place at Park Cemetery in Scotia.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jack’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to Shriners Hospitals for Children at 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607. Arrangements are entrusted to Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, and condolences may be shared by visiting Jack’s Book of Memories at www.TownleyWheelerFH.com.
