John L. ‘Jack’ Daffaro
OBITUARY
John L. Jack Daffaro, 93, a 62 year resident of the East Mountain section of Scranton died January 1, 2026 at the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit. He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Arline A. Scannella, who passed away on September 27, 2021. He was a devoted loving husband of 64 years that took great care for his wife.
Born in San Daniele del Friuli, Provinca di Udine, Italy, he was the son of the late Luigi and Santa Cappelletti Daffaro, he emigrated to the United States at the tender age of 3. A graduate of Jessup High School and the Academy of Aeronautics in Long Island, New York. He was employed as an airplane mechanic for Republic Aircraft, Gibbons Ford, Montclair Motors, and prior to retirement he was the chief police car mechanic for the City of Scranton.
Known for his selflessness and unique personality, people who met Jack loved him immediately. Never having a bad thing to say about anyone, nor ever holding a grudge, he would graciously help anyone in need. An accomplished Jack of all Trades he worked with his hands and was able to fix anything at all. A known Gearhead, he loved NASCAR & F1 racing, airplanes and flying with his brother-in-law and working on cars. He would attend car shows to display his prized 1933 Ford Model B pickup truck. But above all, his greatest passion was his entire family. His greatest enjoyment was when they would come to visit, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Surviving are son James Daffaro and wife Annmarie, Scott Twp.; daughter Dianne Martinelli and husband Michael, Old Forge; grandchildren Michael Martinelli and wife Diana, Mario Martinelli and wife Brianna; Ashley Mitchell and husband Patrick; great-grandchildren Julianna, Michael, Crew and Reese Martinelli; brother-in-law Arnold Ligi and wife Francesca; nephew Allan Ligi and wife Maria.
He was preceded in death by sister Dolores Ligi; nephew Arnie Ligi.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 am in St. Theresa of Calcutta Parish, Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church, 1217 Prospect Ave. Scranton. Family and friends may pay their respects Tuesday morning from 9-10 am in the church. Private interment, St. Mary’s Assumption Cemetery, Montdale.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org
Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Solfanelli-Fiorillo Funeral Home Inc., 1030 N. Main Ave., Scranton.
Please visit the funeral home website to leave an online condolence.
Giacomo ‘Jack’ Daffaro
January 1, 2026