John C. Mascarella

September 28, 1943-November 16, 2022

John C. Mascarella was born September 28, 1943. He was born in South Carolina, but spent his formative years in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. While attending Broadmoor High School, John discovered a love of the theater. His classmates found him to be a natural, voting him “Most Talented” in his class. John attended college majoring in speech and debate however, as often happens; life took him in a different direction and moved to California. It was there he met the love of his life, Darlene McHenry. Together they embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. Both coming from families of divorce, they worked hard beating the odds and at John’s passing celebrated 57 years of marriage.

John started his career working various odd jobs. These included managing an apartment complex off Hollywood and Vine where one of the most infamous killers, Charles Manson, stayed during John’s tenure. His next adventure as a disc jockey was more suited to his skill set and was one of his favorite jobs. During these years, John and Darlene welcomed their first child, John (Bub to family and friends) in 1966 and daughter, Darjon, in 1969. As much as John loved his budding DJ career, it proved difficult raising a young family on this salary.

In 1974, John accepted a position working on an oil platform in Kenai, Alaska. After two hitches, he realized he couldn’t be away from family that long. He promptly took a job managing Terry’s restaurant (now McKinley’s) in Anchorage and moved the family from as quickly as possible. Once established in work, John focused on supporting his community. Together, he and Darlene established Mascarella Electric Car Racing Association (MECRA) offering youth a safe after school activity. Additionally, he used his voice talents transcribing novels to tape for the hearing-impaired.

Restaurant work took him to the kitchen at McLaughlin Youth Center. His natural rapport with youth made administration take notice and was offered an opportunity to become a counselor. During his tenure, John earned the first ever “Favorite Counselor” award. Several of his “kids” continued reaching out well into their adult lives making this one of his proudest accomplishments. While at McLaughlin, the Mascarella’s moved to Wasilla where John lived until his passing. Growing tired of the commute, John took a position with DOC at Palmer Correctional Center and worked hard building community relations. He earned two meritorious service awards from Palmer Native Culture Council during his tenure. John retired from public service in 1997.

Retirement brought some of his happiest years as granddaughters, Maia and Sophia, were born. Blessed are they, having a grandpa (Dodah as he was known) play an integral part of their formative years. Weekdays were spent gardening, cooking, duck feeding, painting, reading, and entertaining any crazy ideas they came up with. Dodah was always game and made sure to teach some of life’s most important lessons along the way.

The family wishes to thank Ancora Home Health and Hospice, ProCare Home Medical Inc, Sandra Spencer, ANP, EMT’s Brandon and Taft, Shaun at Wasilla Senior Center, Mat-Su Regional Hospital (particularly ER Nurse Casey), and Dr. Melendez. The Mascarella’s particularly want to thank Shannon Starling for being on the ready making the house wheelchair accessible. Without this, John would not have been able to peacefully pass on surrounded by family and friends.

John leaves behind his wife, Darlene, son John (Bub), daughter Darjon, son-in law Michael Gimm and granddaughters Maia and Sophia. While there will be no official service, donations can be made in his name to Wasilla Public Library.