John T. Vassallo

John T. Vassallo was a devoted husband, an amazing father, and the best Papa a child could have.

His nieces affectionately called him Superman, and he was loved by everyone who knew him. It is with a heavy, broken heart that we say goodbye. Actually, he never said goodbye at the end of a phone conversation, so neither will we. We will always cherish his beautiful smile, warm touch, and kind words in our hearts forever.

Most knew him as Tom and Papa. Tom was born on March 17, 1930, in New York, NY. After losing his father to illness at the tender age of four months, he was raised by his widowed mother, Rosaria, and his older brother, Frank. Growing up, he developed incredible integrity, determination, honesty, love, and kindness.

In Brooklyn, Tom met his beloved bride, Mildred (Hon), the love of his life, who gave him the strength and will to live to 95. They married in June 1953 and celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary this past year. Tom started working at age nine in a hardware store and had many odd jobs to help his mother. He later became an ironworker and eventually a printer/foreman. He had the most captivating stories to tell, never complaining about his challenging childhood, always maintaining a positive outlook.

Tom and Millie had two children, Thomas and Marianne. Thomas and his wife, Carolyn, blessed them with three grandsons: Andrew, James, and Thomas (whom he affectionately called his puppies). Marianne and her husband, Peter, gave them their first grandson, Matthew (number one), and their "favorite granddaughter," Casey. Over the years, Tom's family expanded through grandchildren's marriages, Andrew and Gina, James and JeanMarie, Casey and Mia, and his great granddaughter, Alina. Tom considered himself the most blessed and fortunate man.

Tom's grandchildren could fill books with the wonderful memories of their Papa. He taught them invaluable lessons, such as how to work hard, always keep your legs moving, and have purpose. He taught them to ride bikes, make golden brown pancakes, drive, play chess, hockey, paddleball, and pickleball. He never let them win; they had to earn that! He was the best goalie with a broom, better than Broderick and Roy. Most importantly, he taught them how to be wonderful people themselves, and he was so proud of them all.

Tom enjoyed traveling with his Hon, sailing his little Penguin boat, theater and dinners with friends and family. A renowned figure on the paddleball and pickleball courts in Brooklyn, Florida, and Long Island, Tom effortlessly made friends, some of whom he cherished for over nine decades. He continued playing pickleball until he was 93. Regardless of the duration of their acquaintance, whether it was a lifelong friendship or a mere meeting, Tom had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel special, important, and loved.

Tom passed away in his home on January 2, 2026, after living a life that was long, fulfilling, and extraordinary. Despite his valiant efforts to prolong his presence with us, he departed peacefully, surrounded by the love and support of his cherished family.

In Lieu of flowers, please donate in John's name to either St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Setauket Fire Department P O Box 830 East Setauket, N. Y. 11733-0640. The Setauket Fire Department were incredibly helpful to our family this past year.

Sergio Benites is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Vassallo

Time: Jan 8, 2026 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/4444580318?pwd=8B6cLX5zpy7JEMnAFQWI8YGMJlwwN9.1&omn=97309488659

Meeting ID: 444 458 0318

Passcode: Vassallo

---

One tap mobile

+16465588656,,4444580318#,,,,*84185675# US (New York)

+16469313860,,4444580318#,,,,*84185675# US

Join instructions

https://zoom.us/meetings/97309488659/invitations?signature=zmjt6S1nUEkDyVpRnq32bqcU-7SZ-CBej6pxU2RUoTs