Rocco D. "Squirrel" Scarano

Mr. Rocco D. "Squirrel" Scarano, a lifelong Little Falls resident, passed away suddenly on Thursday morning, February 6, 2025, at Little Falls Hospital at the age of 74, of natural causes.

Rocco was born on August 15th, 1950 to Frank and Rosina (Casullo) Scarano in Little Falls. After graduating from Little Falls High School in 1968, he went on to study business at SUNY Cobleskill and then finalized his degree at Rochester Institute of Technology where he proudly played football for the legendary Tom Coughlin.

After graduating, he started his corporate career at Cherry Burrell in Little Falls and eventually moved on to HM Quakenbush in Herkimer, Syracuse Heat Treating and ultimately concluded his career at Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group in Clifton Park. Rocco was hardworking, well respected by his peers and prided himself on having never taken a sick day.

In 1974, Rocco married his high school sweetheart Margaret (Peggy) Chestney at St. Joseph’s Church in Little Falls. Rocco and Peggy went on to have three children - Jenny, Julie and Emily. He and Peggy celebrated 50 years together this past September.

In 2013, Rocco retired and spent his time caring for his home and family, gardening, cooking Italian favorites and supporting and promoting Little Falls, the community he loved. Rocco also enjoyed traveling and experiencing new things with family and friends. His mantra was, “Get up each day and be better off than you were yesterday.”

Rocco was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Rosina Scarano; his nephew, Joseph Clauss and his sister-in-law, Debbie (Frederick) Scarano. He is survived by his wife, Peggy, his three daughters - Jenny (Austin O'Connell), Julie (Michael Debrossy), and Emily (Ryan Zuccaro), his four beloved grandchildren Henry, Whitney, Charlotte and Joelle, his twin brothers John and Philip (Marchell), his sister, Carolyn (Joe) and so many of his cherished nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited and may pay their respects to the Scarano family on Monday, February 10, 2025 from 4-7 pm. at Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations (Daniel J. Enea, Director), 7507 State Route 5, between Little Falls and St. Johnsville, 315-508-5131. Rocco's funeral will commence at 9:00 am on Tuesday, Feb. 11th from the chapel of MVFC where a transfer prayer will take place prior to his Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 am at Holy Family Parish, corner of E. Main and John Streets, Little Falls, on Tuesday. The Rev. Brian Slezak, pastor, will officiate. Spring burial will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery, Town of Herkimer.

Little Falls Elks Lodge #42 members will conduct the Elk's Ritual on Monday evening at 6:45 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests in his memory donations be sent to Little Falls Elks Lodge 42, H.A.L.O, or the Herkimer County Humane Society, organizations near and dear to Rocco's heart.