Peter "Pete" Sciarabba, Sr.

Pete was born on March 19,1938, in Hackensack, New Jersey, to John and Mary Sciarabba. A second generation Italian American, he was the oldest of three children, spending his childhood in Hackensack, New Jersey and Brooklyn, New York surrounded by his extended family. He was a devout follower of Jesus Christ and dedicated his life to Him. He unearthed his passion for athletics in his early years and excelled in various sports. In his youth, no one could outrun him in a leg race, quickly landing him the nickname “Peter Rabbit”. His excellence in football led him to Mississippi where he attended college on an athletic scholarship.

He earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Physical Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. It was here that he met the love of his life and devoted wife of 62 years, “Josie” Joann Lea Watts Sciarabba. Married on May 25, 1963, the two began their lives together in Mississippi and later migrated back to New Jersey to raise their family of four children. There, he flourished as an educator, dedicating his career to coaching both football and baseball. During this time, he was a part of multiple group, conference, and state championship teams. Following twenty plus years of New Jersey residence, Pete and Joann returned to Mississippi where they remained after his retirement. Always one for an adventure, he delved into a variety of small business endeavors following his coaching career. While he enjoyed new challenges, he returned to his true passion for a short time- coaching baseball for a few encore seasons with his grandsons.

Aside from his family, few things brought him more joy than Southern Miss athletics. He thoroughly enjoyed a round of golf and reminiscing over a cup of coffee. At any given time, an old western could be heard booming from his TV as he rested in his recliner. With an unmatched sweet tooth, if he ran down road to the grocery store “to get a few things”, there was almost certainly a carton of Blue Bunny ice cream amongst his loot. A loud family gathering was his favorite place to be. Never one to shy away from getting tickled with himself, he loved to remind his offspring, “You gotta keep your sense of humor!” in his thick Jersey accent. Pete, Coach, Peter Rabbit, Pistol Pete, Hon, Dad, all names he wore proudly but none made him beam quite like Pop Pop. He adored his children and grandchildren, but most of all, his Josie. Family was the entirety of his being. Very often, he would humbly say, “I have lived a beautiful life. I am very blessed.” His life echoed family beginning to end.

Pete is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joann Lea Watts Sciarabba, and his oldest son, John Robert Sciarabba; his parents Mary and John Sciarabba; his brother John Sciarabba and sister Rosemarie Yanni. He is survived by his children, Mary Jo Perry (Derek), Amy S. Martin (Drew), Peter J. Sciarabba Jr. (Rebecca); grandchildren, Chad Perry (Brittney), John Perry, Jacob Perry, Emma Grace Burnham (Collin), Sam Martin, Sara Beth Martin, David Martin, John Sciarabba (Samantha), William Evans, Cameron Smith (Savanna); several great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His legacy will live on through the love he gave and memories shared.

Arrangements will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at White Funeral Home in Poplarville, MS. Visitation will be from 9:00 am – 11:00 am with Memorial Service at beginning at 11:00 am. Graveside service will follow.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

“Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His faithfulness to a thousand generations for those who love Him and keep His commandments;” Deuteronomy 7:9