A complex custody battle ended in tragedy for a Connecticut father, John Masserio Jr., who reunited with his daughter, Jewelyette, shortly before his untimely death. After years of legal struggle and personal challenges, Masserio’s journey illustrates the emotional and systemic complexities within the foster care system.
In July 2017, while incarcerated at the Carl Robinson Correctional Institution, Masserio attempted to bring a crayon into a supervised visit with Jewelyette, then aged two. This resulted in disciplinary action, including a 60-day probation period. In a letter to the parole board, Masserio expressed his desire to bond with his daughter through art, stating, “Did I just seal my fate?” He was released in 2018 and donated a set of crayons for other inmates to use during similar visits.
Masserio’s fight for custody began in earnest after his release. Over the next several years, he engaged with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), who had placed Jewelyette with foster parents, John and Diana Norman. The Normans aimed to adopt Jewelyette, who had been in their care for seven years, complicating the legal landscape.
Masserio’s efforts included attending court hearings, undergoing rehabilitation, and maintaining contact with Jewelyette through letters and visits. He appealed decisions made by DCF and actively sought to demonstrate his commitment to becoming a responsible parent.
The Normans, who had been fostering Jewelyette since she was two, had their own emotional investment. Their desire to adopt was supported by the perception that reunification with Masserio would be difficult due to his prior legal issues and ongoing struggles with sobriety. As the case progressed, tensions grew between the families, marked by misunderstandings and differing views on Jewelyette’s best interests.
Emotional Legal Proceedings
Masserio’s legal battle culminated in a state Supreme Court ruling in 2023 that foster families could intervene in custody cases, allowing the Normans to voice their concerns in court. This ruling came amid a national discourse on the rights of foster parents versus biological families in custody matters. Advocates for family preservation argue that the system often favors the adoption of children over reunification, particularly in cases where biological parents face challenges.
In 2020, a new team of DCF social workers reassessed Jewelyette’s case, ultimately shifting the focus toward reunification with Masserio. This decision was met with resistance from the Normans, who felt that their long-standing relationship with Jewelyette entitled them to maintain custody. The Normans filed motions to be included in the proceedings, asserting that they should have a say in Jewelyette’s future.
As Masserio prepared for Jewelyette’s transition back into his life, he made significant changes, including securing a new apartment and purchasing clothes and toys for her. However, the emotional strain of the situation began to take a toll on both father and daughter.
In January 2025, after their reunification, Jewelyette’s mental health deteriorated. She threatened self-harm and expressed a desire to return to the Normans, highlighting the psychological impact of the upheaval in her life. In the midst of this turmoil, Masserio fell ill and was hospitalized with severe complications from the flu. Tragically, he passed away on January 21, 2025, just five months after regaining custody of Jewelyette.
A Heartfelt Adoption Ceremony
Following Masserio’s death, Jewelyette moved in with his sister, Masserio-Giarratana, who sought legal guardianship to adopt her. The adoption process moved swiftly, culminating in a ceremony in June 2025, attended by family members and DCF workers. Jewelyette wore the dress her father had selected for her and carried a photo of the two together.
During the ceremony, Jewelyette expressed gratitude to those who supported her, including her late father. “I wanted to say thank you guys for helping me get here and not giving up,” she said, her voice trembling. This moment, filled with joy and sorrow, marked a new chapter in her life, one that her father had fiercely fought for, albeit without being present.
Masserio’s journey, marred by personal struggles, ultimately showcased a father’s unwavering love and commitment to his daughter. His legacy, as reflected in his obituary, stresses the boundless nature of parental love and the profound impact it can have, even amidst tragedy. As the legal landscape around foster care continues to evolve, his story remains a poignant reminder of the complexities families face within the system.
