John "J. Coyote" Scarano

Mr. John J. Scarano "J. Coyote", age 76, a lifelong Little Falls resident (Woodside Ave.) devoted son, father and brother, adored grandfather and caring uncle, passed away suddenly at his home, due to heart complications.

John was born in Little Falls on December 22, 1948, son of the late Frank and Rosina (Casullo) Scarano and educated at Benton Hall Academy, graduating from Little Falls High School. John was a proud lifelong Little Falls resident and loved to see his hometown succeed. He entered military service with the US Army National Guard serving his country from 1968-1974 and received an honorable discharge. On November 28, 1970, John was united in marriage with Debra Frederick at St. Joseph’s Church, Little Falls. Mrs. Scarano passed away on September 7, 2007. For nearly 15 years, John was employed with Curtains and Fabrics until he took a position in 2005 as the Executive Director of the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce until his retirement in 2018. He was highly respected in his professional career and earned a reputation among his colleagues as a true gentleman. He was of the Catholic faith.

John was thankful to inherit a strong work ethic and many Italian traditions from his parents, they instilled in their children love and perseverance. He was outgoing, adventurous, and energetic. People loved John for his honesty, loyalty, and work ethic. He was a man everyone wanted to be around and had a wonderful sense of business and made many dear friends in his professional life. He was the man who ensured everyone around him was safe. John kept himself healthy throughout his life and was famous for his weightlifting days at his home. In retirement years, he found his greatest pleasure and enjoyment from his grandchildren. He was their rock. Whether taking them to the Little Falls Public Library, the Little Falls Baseball Field or setting up his famous after school “Tailgate Party” for his grandchildren. He had a close and loving relationship with his grandkids. To him, they were all his "babies," and he cherished every opportunity to celebrate them.

As a dad, John provided his children with guidance, love, and generosity. His boys were always his priority. He made time to spend with them, ensuring he attended their sporting events, and took them on various adventures. He loved his family so much, and they loved him for his strong work ethic, his social skills, and his graciousness. His benevolence was always sincere. Hospitality lived in the Scarano home. John loved it when everyone was together, was proud of his home and the generations that filled it. He was always involved in sports. In his earlier years, he took great pride in coaching his children and other youths in the Little Falls Little League and Babe Ruth baseball leagues. He was famous for letting the ball hit him in the batting cage while throwing batting practice.

The bond that John shared with his twin brother Phil and younger brother Rocco, was solid and unbreakable. Friday nights were porch nights for the Scarano boys where they would exchange laughs and of course, friendly jabs over cold drinks after a long week. The Scarano family enjoyed many trips together and especially enjoyed their times spent in Key West at Coconut Beach resort. Coyote weekends up north with his baby sister Carolyn and her husband Joe were cherished memories that John had with his entire family. John personally enjoyed events at Moreland Park and the General Herkimer Home. In his spare time, you could find John picking dandelions for Italian salads and tending to his flowers and plants.

Survivors include his beloved children, Matthew Scarano and John Scarano and wife Jennifer Scarano ; his close twin brother, Phillip Scarano and wife Marchell; a loving sister, Carolyn Clauss and husband Dr. Joe; Peggy Scarano, his adored grandchildren, Abbigaill Debra, John Matthew, Melanie Rose and Gracelynn May; cherished nieces and nephews, Jenny (Austin O'Connell), Julie (Michael Debrossy), and Emily (Ryan Zuccaro), Jonni Scarano ( Brian McAfee), Dr. Phillip Scarano (Jeannie Marie Scarano), Rocco Clauss, Patrick Clauss (Kyra Clauss), many cherished cousins and numerous dear colleagues, neighbors and friends. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his adored brother, Rocco “Squirrel” Scarano on February 6th of this year and beloved Nephew and Godson Joseph Clauss on October 6th of 2020

Relatives and friends are invited and may pay their respects at Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5 (corner of Bidleman Road), Little Falls, 315-508-5131 on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 4-7 pm. In respecting his wishes, John's funeral service is PRIVATE. He will be laid to rest later in the spring in St. Mary's Cemetery, Town of Herkimer. Kindly consider and send contributions in his memory to the Little Falls Public Library or to Little Falls Little League.