John “Jack” Scirocco, an esteemed educator and former Little League World Series champion, passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on November 4, 2025. Surrounded by his family, he left behind a legacy of love, education, and community service, profoundly impacting the lives of many.
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 later earned his bachelor’s degree from Niagara University in 1963, followed by a master’s degree from The College of Saint Rose in Albany. Jack’s commitment to service began when he joined the Army National Guard in New York and New Jersey in 1963, later serving in the Army Reserves.
Jack’s personal life was marked by a deep love for his wife, Carol Malizia, whom he met on February 12, 1965, at DiAmante’s restaurant in Schenectady. They married on June 25, 1966, and shared a beautiful life centered around family, faith, and love while raising three daughters.
Legacy in Education and Sports
Jack was a devoted educator who dedicated over 50 years to teaching. He began his career at Mount Carmel Elementary School, where he taught sixth grade before moving on to the Schenectady School District for five years. For the next 27 years, he taught third grade at Fort Edward Union Free Elementary School, ultimately retiring after 33 years in public education. His passion for teaching continued as he joined Carol at their family-run Lil’ Bits Daycare, nurturing generations of children for an additional 17 years.
In addition to his career in education, Jack was an accomplished athlete. His love for baseball began at a young age when, at just 12 years old, he and his Schenectady teammates won the 1954 Little League World Series Championship in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. This achievement is recognized in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Jack remained a passionate baseball fan throughout his life, proudly supporting the New York Yankees. He also played basketball during high school, contributing to the championship team in 1959 and maintaining friendships with his teammates for decades.
Personal Life and Community Contributions
Beyond his professional achievements, Jack had a variety of personal interests. He enjoyed woodworking, music, and family vacations on the beaches of Maine. His greatest pride, however, was always his family. Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Carol; their 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.
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, 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 laid to rest 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, TN 38105, or to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607. Arrangements are entrusted to Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, and condolences can be shared by visiting Jack’s Book of Memories at www.TownleyWheelerFH.com.