John Tomasetti

1948 - 2025

John Tomasetti

Shutesbury, MA - There are lots of tears in the valley, for John Tomasetti died on June 6 in Springfield, Mass. Mr. T was known by this moniker by many of his students, a reference to the burly television character on the "A Team." The tears are for a wonderful man who became an exemplary teacher and watercolorist.

John's life began in Quincy, Massachusetts, where he attended local schools. As a large boy John was recruited to play the tuba in the high school marching band. He was not allowed to focus fully on the tuba as he was harassed into playing football for obvious reasons by the coach. At Quincy High School, during his senior year he was encouraged by a counselor to attend the local community college. He surprised himself by doing well and prepared to extend his education at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. That is how he made his way to Western Massachusetts.

His teaching career began in the tiny town of Wendell, Massachusetts in an appropriately tiny wooden schoolhouse, Mr. T in one room, a second teacher in the other. John quickly became a teaching principal, much beloved in both roles.

In the early 70's John was urged to take his many skills to a brand new school in Erving, Massachusetts. There he taught first grade for the remainder of his teaching career, retiring after thirty plus years. For decades he proudly entertained both staff and students as he skillfully taught children how to read. His humor and gentle manner helped his students to be comfortable while learning.

John had serious commitments other than teaching. He was a young devotee of body building, creating an upper body that required specially sewn shirts. John enjoyed the workouts and following the career of Arnold Schwarzenegger, champion body builder and television and film star.

Another passion of John's was his house on Lake Wyola. He purchased the house as a rustic cabin with few amenities. With the help of a couple of local carpenters and John's marvelous sense of design, John transformed this cabin into a four season beauty, one that he was very proud of. This house became his studio for painting and framing. It also served as his gallery and a place for parties.

Arriving at middle age, Mr. Tomasetti decided to become a student of water color painting. He was largely self-taught but took many classes, enjoying them all but especially the instruction from his hero, the well-respected master teacher and artist Scott Pryor. John's watercolors won many awards and were sought after by many in the valley and beyond. He was first encouraged by Peg Politella, the Valley's art patron. She urged John to enter Old Deerfield's Art Show. From there the rest is history.

John's family is very small. He was born in 1948 to Viola and Arthur Tomasetti. He was joined by three brothers. All have predeceased him. Friends became John's family. Jim Callahan, John's best buddy since elementary school, stayed fully committed to John right through his illnesses. Jay Loubris, a local friend, missed few days during John's illness. Alan Task, from his new home in Portland, Maine, never missed an opportunity to see John upon returns to the valley. John remained connected to many of his Erving Elementary colleagues, particularly Nita Chase.

Through the years John has had two much beloved partners. Terry Andrews and John spent many years together. John became very involved with Terry's family, especially with her mother, niece and grandniece. Terry passed in 2017.

The last few years John and Susan Robertson developed a deep and wonderful friendship. Susan became John's loving caregiver right through John's multiple convalescences. She was John's rock.

Burial will be private. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for June 28, from 1 - 4 pm, at the Deerfield Inn in Old Deerfield. Bring a story or memory to share. Donations can be made in John's name to Deerfield Valley Art Association.