John Scrip
October 8, 1929 - March 3, 2024
On Sunday, March 3, 2024 we lost our father, grandfather and best friend, John Scrip. We were blessed to have him in our lives and to love him for 94 years. John was born on October 8, 1929, in Palmerton, PA as the youngest of five children born to Ukrainian immigrants.
At age 17 he joined the US Army, (with his father's consent), and spent the next 40+ years serving in the military. John was a member of one of the first American units deployed to the Korean war in 1950. He was wounded in action, receiving the Order of the Purple Heart. This was only one of several military citations he earned in his distinguished career.
Upon returning to the states, John was stationed at Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City, Utah where he met his future wife of 68 years, Giancarla Sansoni (Carla), who was visiting her sister from Italy. As the story goes, it was love at first sight as they were married two weeks later on September 1, 1952, despite the fact that they didn't even know how to speak each other's language.
In 1960, they adopted their daughter Camille and added their son Michael the very next year, also through adoption. In 1994 and 1996 they became grandparents to Joshua and Sierra. That was a role they both cherished.
Carla passed away in 2020 after a series of health issues. John lovingly cared for her and was by her side until the end.
John leaves behind his children Camille (Dannee) and Michael, grandchildren children Joshua and Sierra, and nephew Gary (Carolyn) Badger of Texas. He also leaves behind an endearing legacy of kindness and generosity. John is already missed by those blessed to know him.
We will celebrate John’s life on Thursday, March 14 from 6 – 8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek. Guests are encouraged to park on the north side of the building. He will be laid to rest in a private family burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
In Loving Memory
Dear Camille, Michael and family, Please accept mine and all my families deepest condolence on the passing of my great friend and fellow Special Forces Soldier John. We were Originals in the Activation of the 133rd SFO Detachment on July 1, 1959. It was later redesignated the 19th SFG (Abn) 1st SF. Still Originals. My first important date was when John issued me my Army uniforms on 9 Feb 1956 after my induction into Co "A". I had know John earlier as I met him while helping my brother Gus Leon when they were fulltime Guardsmen for the 115th Engineer Battalion (Combat) at Fort Douglas, Utah. That started a life long friendship the grew stronger as we were able to get together over the years of military service. CWO John Scrip was a fantastic soldier in every respect. Greatly admired by all the men in the battalion and especially by his troops in A Company. John was a superb mentor and his combat experience was a critical asset to the company in all matters; MOS training, field exercises, deployments and militay career building. Numerous soldiers benefited from John's mentoring leadership. All knew that Master Sergeant or (Mr) CWO Scrip was a superb asset to all Commanders that were fortunate to serve with Chief Warrant Officer John Scrip. I departed to go on Active Duty in August of 1966 but that did not separate me from my wonderful friend and mentor. He was still interested on my career development and provided those special hints that helped me during my tours in South Vietnam. Each time I returned to Salt Lake City to see my family I was fortunate to see John at work still mentoring and assisting his "troops" in what ever activity their life was taking them. As always the time we were able to get together was short but, very rewarding and served to strengthen the extra long years of a true friendship that was interwoven in both a military life and a civilian frendship that was so enjoyable. God Bless You John and now that you are with your Beautiful Carla may you both now rest in Eternal Peace. Sincerely accept my heavy and heartfelt sympathy for the loss of such a great friend. Arthur J. Hurtado COL (R) SF
John and l went to Japan together and were both assigned to the 61st FA, we became best friends and along with Andy Munoz the three of us did a lot of sight seeing in Japan. In Korea, Johnn was a warrior and you could. Monotony ask for a better foxhole buddy. And so he crossed over the river and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side. Jimmy C.Marlks Col (R)
I want to say I am sorry for the loss of John. He was a great man great husband. I was amazed at how caring he was with his wife. He will be greatly missed.
In Loving Memory
