A complex legal battle over custody concluded tragically for John Masserio Jr. and his daughter, Jewelyette. After enduring years of imprisonment and an arduous fight to reclaim his parental rights, Masserio succeeded in regaining custody of his daughter, only to succumb to health complications shortly thereafter.
This story began on July 17, 2017, at the Carl Robinson Correctional Institution, where Masserio, identified as Inmate Number 230558, faced disciplinary action for attempting to bring a crayon into a supervised visit with his two-year-old daughter. Masserio later expressed to the parole board that his intention was to create a special memory with Jewelyette. He feared that this incident would jeopardize his efforts to regain custody when he was released.
“I am asking you to please give me this chance to be reunited with my daughter and preserve my family,” he implored during his parole hearing. The board granted him parole in 2018, and upon his release, he donated a set of crayons for other inmates to use during visits with their children, symbolizing his commitment to fostering connections.
Over the next few years, Masserio engaged in a relentless pursuit of custody, while Jewelyette lived with her foster parents, John and Diana Norman. Their relationship with the child developed over seven years, leading them to seek legal adoption. The case escalated through various appeals, ultimately reaching the Connecticut Supreme Court, which ruled in early 2024 that foster families could have a legal role in custody cases. This decision ignited ongoing debates regarding the rights of foster parents versus the reunification of biological families.
Masserio’s journey was fraught with challenges. After a troubled start in life that involved substance abuse, he made efforts to change his circumstances upon learning of Jewelyette’s pregnancy. Despite his attempts at sobriety, he faced setbacks, leading to multiple arrests, including a DUI in 2016 that resulted in incarceration. DCF records indicate that he maintained regular contact with Jewelyette, even while in prison, expressing his dedication to her well-being.
As the years passed, DCF began pursuing termination of Masserio’s parental rights, citing his incarceration and the need for Jewelyette to achieve permanency. During this time, Masserio attended hearings and completed programs aimed at demonstrating his commitment to parenthood, including anger management and parenting courses.
In 2017, Jewelyette was moved to a new foster home, the Normans, who were under the impression that her adoption would be straightforward due to the circumstances surrounding her biological parents. John Norman recounted their initial optimism, believing the case would be uncomplicated. However, they soon discovered that the process would be anything but simple.
“We took her thinking it would be the easiest case,” Norman reflected. “Ten years later, she’s still… things don’t always work out the way they tell you.”
The Normans developed a strong bond with Jewelyette, providing her with a stable and loving home. However, as Masserio fought for custody, tensions mounted between the two families. Misunderstandings arose, particularly regarding Jewelyette’s name, which Masserio had originally spelled as “Jewel” but was being changed at her foster family’s suggestion.
Masserio described painful moments during visitation, where Jewelyette expressed confusion about her family dynamics, stating during one visit that Norman was her “real dad.” The emotional strain of the ongoing custody battle weighed heavily on him as he tried to maintain his connection with his daughter.
By 2020, a new team of DCF social workers reassessed Jewelyette’s case, ultimately shifting the focus towards reunification with Masserio. This decision alarmed the Normans, who had cared for Jewelyette for years, prompting them to seek legal intervention to remain involved in the case.
“The voice of the child is also a point of consideration,” noted Ken Mysogland, DCF’s chief administrator of external affairs. Jewelyette’s fluctuating feelings towards her father and her foster family complicated matters, leading to further legal entanglements.
As the legal battle continued, Masserio faced health issues that culminated in a hospital visit in January 2025. He was diagnosed with severe dehydration and renal failure, conditions exacerbated by neglecting his own health while caring for Jewelyette.
Tragically, on January 21, 2025, Masserio passed away, just five months after regaining custody. His death marked a profound loss for Jewelyette, who was now navigating the complexities of her new life without her father. Following his death, she moved in with Masserio’s sister, who sought to provide her with the support she needed.
In June 2025, Jewelyette’s adoption was finalized, a bittersweet moment celebrated in a courtroom filled with family and DCF workers. The day before her tenth birthday, she wore a dress her father had bought for her, embodying the love he had for her throughout their tumultuous journey.
The court proceedings underscored the emotional toll on all parties involved. Jewelyette, now officially adopted by her aunt, expressed her gratitude, acknowledging the unwavering love and support from her father during his life.
“This has gone on for far too long, and ultimately, the greatest impact has been on you, Jewelyette,” her attorney remarked during the adoption ceremony. As she concluded her statement, she highlighted her father’s enduring influence, affirming that his love would remain a part of her life.
The case of John Masserio Jr. and Jewelyette reflects the deep complexities of the foster care system, raising essential questions about parental rights, the role of foster families, and the impact of legal decisions on children’s lives. As the legal landscape evolves, the experiences of families like Masserio’s will continue to shape discussions on child welfare and foster care reform.
