John J. Zaleski

John J. Zaleski, age 27, of Little Falls, formerly Herkimer went to be with his Lord on May 30, 2026. John was born on September 10, 1998, in Little Falls, NY.

John was raised in Herkimer. After graduating Herkimer High School, John received his BA at Utica College. While in school at Herkimer, John was an avid athlete owning one of the nastiest curveballs when pitching in baseball, his true love. In high school he also developed a passion for theater and performing, which he continued in college.

John lived his life to the fullest. His friend groups continued to expand from his high school friends to outstanding college groups from both Albany and Utica. Upon moving to Little Falls in 2021, he developed a new group of gentleman friends whom he would spend hours with talking about sports while working as a bartender. His friend groups continued to expand including his coworkers from Adirondack Bank, along with his nurses at Faxton Hospital where he received his treatment. His special nurse and friend Jaimie Craig. He spread joy to all he came into contact with, everyone became his friend and he loved all.

John’s love for the New York Yankees was his greatest sport passion. There were no history stats of the Yankees that he didn’t know. But he was a scholar of all MLB teams. His absolute love was baseball. He never hesitated to stop learning and teaching the game.

John loved karaoke. He didn’t just sing karaoke, but he performed it. From his signature go to “Baby’s Got Back” to “Dream On” to his favorite artist Freddie Mercury doing “Bohemian Rhapsody”. He was spot on when he sang a song. He never had to read the lyrics as he knew all songs from memory. It didn’t matter if it was 70’s, 80’s,90’s, country, rock, pop, or blues, John knew and sang all genres of music.

John is survived by his father Tim, mother Sasha, and sister Nicole. Nicole was his absolute best friend whom he did everything with. His special Aunt and Uncle, Jannel (Nellie) and Joe (Joey) Scalise, and special cousins Jianna and James who were like his siblings. He is survived by his Grandmother Toni Zaleski and Grandfather Joe (Poppy) Scalise. He is also survived by numerous Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.

He was predeceased by his Grandfather David Zaleski and Grandmother Connie Scalise.

John also leaves his special friends Mitchell Scherer and Zachary Harrington, who both were brothers to him. His “second” parents Scott and Lisa Scherer. He also leaves the light of his life “Babes”, Ellianna Scherer. He always had a special place in his heart for her.

John would ask all to not shed tears of sorrow, but tears of joy because he had the honor of calling you friend. He loved his faith and wishes all to continue to spread his love.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 4:00pm- 7:00pm at the Enea Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion 13357. A funeral mass will be held for John on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11:00am at Holy Family Parish, 763 E Main St, Little Falls, NY 13365. Following mass, all are invited to the Little Falls Elks Club, 2 W Gansevoort St Little Falls to share memories and stories of John's life.

To leave a note of sympathy and share memories, please visit the funeral home website at www.eneafamily.com.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors, 315-894-8000.