John Scassellati Jr.

John J. Scassellati, Jr., 74, of Greensburg, passed away Sunday, December 4, 2022. He was born September 24, 1948 in Scranton, PA, the eldest son of the late John J. Scassellati Sr. and Mabel Fronduti Scassellati of Jessup, PA. John received a B.A. in chemistry along with Master of Education degrees from East Stroudsburg University, as well as a doctorate in chemistry from Lehigh University. While proudly serving in the Army National Guard from 1970-1976, he started his career as a science teacher at North Hunterdon Regional High School in New Jersey, where he also coached track and football until 1985. John moved on to the former General Public Utilities (GPU) and advanced through several positions including training manager, environmental scientist, and senior training consultant. After 12 years in private industry, he returned to the academic sector, teaching computer technology as an adjunct professor at Seton Hill. In 2006, he became the Dean of Technologies, Culinary Arts, Mathematics, and Sciences at Westmoreland County Community College. Later, John returned to teaching as Assistant Professor of Chemistry at WCCC. He finally retired from teaching in 2016. John was a member of the American Chemistry Society and the National Exchange Club. He was an avid supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project and Flight 93 Memorial. During his tenure at WCCC, he served as faculty advisor to the Student Veteran’s Club, actively participated with the Military and Veteran Students Service team, and established the Military Student Lounge located in Founders Hall. He volunteered with the Greensburg City Police Department to enhance crime prevention programs, provided computer training to the officers, and developed the city’s first website. John is a recipient of the PA Governor’s Award in recognition of his volunteer services. He was honored as Civilian of the Year by the Crime Prevention Association of Western PA, and was awarded for Outstanding Volunteer Service by the City of Greensburg. He was also a former Chairman of the Greensburg Civil Service Commission. John was a devoted family man, volunteering at his children’s schools and supporting them in their academic and extracurricular activities. In his spare time, he enjoyed working in the yard, jogging and hiking, DIY projects, and caring for his dogs. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his younger brother, Francis Scassellati. Surviving are his loving wife, Fides Valderrama Scassellati; son, Brian Scassellati and daughter-in-law Kristi Hayes; daughter, Suzanne Verenna and son-in-law Col. Tony Verenna; daughter, Beck Scassellati; son, John Scassellati III; son, Richie Scassellati; and grandchildren, Mirin, Rowan, and Levin Scassellati, and Addison and Alex Verenna. Family and friends will be received on Friday, December 9 from 4-7pm at the KEPPLE-GRAFT Funeral Home 524 N. Main Street, Greensburg. A funeral liturgy will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, December 10 at 9:30am followed by military honors accorded by South Greensburg American Legion Post 981. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org. For online condolences and information, please visit www.kepplegraft.com.