John M. Scharff III

John M. "Jack" Scharff III, 81, of East Falmouth, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2024.
Jack, a lifelong resident of Falmouth, was born October 22, 1942, to the late Martha (Gustavus) and John M. Scharff, Jr. A loyal, compassionate and caring family man, he is survived by his life partner of nearly 40 years, Geraldine of East Falmouth, his brothers, Kevin and Paul, both of Falmouth, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his mother, Martha, father, John, and brothers Robert and Thomas.
A highly-decorated member of the United States Marine Corps, Jack served the 3rd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division with distinction in the Vietnam War. An expert marksman and member of India Company, Sergeant Scharff received two purple hearts for wounds endured defending his brothers in arms during the Battle of Khe Sanh. After nearly six years of service to his country, he received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Marines in 1972 and returned to Falmouth.
Those who knew Jack recognized him as an endearing member of the community. A 1961 graduate of Lawrence High School, he spent more than two decades as an on-call firefighter with the Falmouth Fire Department, was an active member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge No. 2380 and an ardent supporter of local organizations. As an employee of the Town of Falmouth for 25 years, Jack was a frequent presence at the Falmouth Recreation Department and staunch advocate for underprivileged children. He was honored by the Savings Bank Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts for his volunteer work helping Falmouth's less fortunate families and ongoing support and dedication to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys For Tots campaign in Falmouth.
Jack was blessed with a loving soul, joyful spirit and magnetic personality that enabled him to forge deep connections with whomever he came into contact with. He will forever be remembered for his generosity, empathy and overwhelming devotion to his family and friends.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, June 11 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 475 Main St., Falmouth Center.
A graveside service will take place on Wednesday, June 12 at 9:45 a.m. at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack's memory to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund www.vvmf.org