John C. “Jack” Mascaro
John C. “Jack” Mascaro of Upper St. Clair, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2020, at the age 75.
Jack is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Darlene, who to this day, he loved more than the day they were married; their three sons, John (Holly), Jeffrey (Michelle) and Michael (Libby); nine grandchildren, John Anthony, Joey, Justina, Julia, Ashley, Brooke, Ryan, Mary and Abigail; his two brothers, Vince and Peter; one sister, Polly Martin; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter J. and Jean E. Mascaro; and his sister, Irma Riehl.
Born in Mount Lebanon, Jack attended St. Bernard Catholic School, where he started both ways on the football team and occasionally boxed some of the priests when the kids were acting up. Here is where he met several of his lifelong friends, whose friendship he cherished until today.
After graduating from South Catholic High School in 1962, he followed in his father's footsteps and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in civil engineering. During his younger years at Pitt, he fell in love and eventually married his supporting and adoring wife, Darlene, in 1967.
After a small stint with a drafting engineering company, he realized that he did not want to sit behind a desk and draw. He wanted to build, so he made the move to work for a Pittsburgh-based construction firm for about 15 years. As time progressed, his relationships grew and his domain knowledge of the industry was stronger, so he decided to take a risk. After Darlene's support, he took out a second mortgage on his home and started Mascaro Construction on his ping pong table. Thirty-two years later, his vision has grown and is now currently being run by his three sons, John, Jeffrey and Michael.
Through his leadership, Jack received many awards and accolades, including the Engineers Society of Western PA Metcalfe Award, Legacy Laureate at the University of Pittsburgh, and the Chancellor's Medallion given to him by Chancellor Mark Nordenberg at the University of Pittsburgh. Although he was humbled in these recognitions, none held more pride than winning the 2002 National Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Construction and Real Estate Division given by EY, the 2012 National Business Ethics award, which he was the first and only contractor to receive this award, and the numerous Top Work Places including No. 1 ranking in 2019. Jack always said, “Good ethics is good business,” and that was the driving force of building his business.
Jack was an avid golfer and a member of several golf clubs and loved nothing more than having some action with his friends. Whether he was in Florida or Pittsburgh, Jack was always surrounded by his friends and was a bigger than life personality.
His priorities in life were his family, his faith, his profession and his Italian family heritage. He was an advocate for continuing education and consistent education — where learning is power.
He and Darlene attended every Little League baseball game, high school wrestling match, soccer and football games as well as college football and wrestling matches. He always had a flare to fire you up, both on and off the field. His enthusiasm was contagious and you always laughed and had a good time when Jack was with you.
He was very generous in giving back to the community through various philanthropic activities, including the University of Pittsburgh, St. Paul Monastery and various other local charities and institutions. His thought was it is our duty to give back and help those in our community.
MASCARO — Friends and associates of John C. “Jack” Mascaro, who died Sunday, July 19, 2020, will be given the opportunity to pay their final respects from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday at Beinhauer Funeral Home, 2828 Washington Road, McMurray.Due to the recent COVID-19 guidelines governed by the CDC, Jack's family will not be present for the visitation on Thursday.Please visit www.beinhauer.com to reserve your time to arrive at the funeral home.There will be a private family service and Jack will be laid to eternal rest at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, the family requests any monetary donations be submitted in John C. “Jack” Mascaro's name to St. Paul of the Cross, 148 Monastery Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.Please visit www.beinhauer.com.
