In a heart-wrenching saga that encapsulates the complexities of the foster care system, John Masserio Jr. fought tirelessly to regain custody of his daughter, Jewelyette, only to face tragedy shortly after their reunion. This emotional journey unfolded against the backdrop of legal battles involving foster parents, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), and the state’s Supreme Court.
The conflict began on July 17, 2017, when Masserio, then an inmate at the Carl Robinson Correctional Institution, faced disciplinary action for attempting to bring a crayon into a supervised visit with his 2-year-old daughter. His intention was simple: to create a memory by coloring together. In a letter to the parole board, he expressed regret, questioning whether his actions would hinder his efforts to reunite with Jewelyette after his release. “Did I just seal my fate?” he wrote. Fortunately for Masserio, he was granted parole and released in 2018, after which he donated crayons for other inmates to use during similar visits.
Despite his release, the road to regaining custody was fraught with challenges. Masserio’s struggle against the Normans, the foster parents who had cared for Jewelyette for seven years, led to a complicated legal battle. The Normans sought to adopt Jewelyette, complicating Masserio’s quest to reclaim his parental rights.
During this tumultuous period, Masserio frequently contacted DCF, pleading for assistance in his efforts to reunite with his daughter. The Normans, John and Diana, also fought vigorously for legal recognition as Jewelyette’s guardians. Their legal battles culminated in a landmark 2023 ruling by the Connecticut Supreme Court, which established that foster families could intervene in custody cases. This ruling would ultimately reshape the landscape of child custody disputes involving foster care.
The case highlighted a fundamental tension within the foster care system: the competing interests of biological families and foster families. Foster care advocacy groups argue for greater legal rights, while biological families often contend that such interventions can impede reunification efforts.
Masserio’s journey began on a hopeful note. Describing the birth of his daughter as the best day of his life, he noted the significance of her name, which he wanted to reflect her preciousness. Prior to Jewelyette’s birth in 2015, Masserio faced personal challenges, including substance abuse. Despite these struggles, he maintained a commitment to his daughter, attending supervised visits even while incarcerated. DCF records indicated his maximum release date was not until May 26, 2019, raising concerns about his ability to reunify with Jewelyette in a reasonable timeframe.
As Jewelyette transitioned to a new foster home, the Normans embraced her with open arms. They had initially become foster parents in 2014, motivated by their inability to have biological children. The Normans, who fostered with the intent to adopt, were informed by DCF that the case would likely result in the termination of Masserio’s parental rights. For them, Jewelyette quickly became an integral part of their family.
Contrary to DCF’s expectations, Masserio’s determination to regain custody remained steadfast. During his August 2017 parole hearing, he implored the board for a chance to preserve his family, expressing fear that a denial of parole would lead to the termination of his rights. The board granted him parole, but the battle for custody continued.
Masserio’s relationship with the Normans became increasingly strained as misunderstandings arose. A pivotal moment occurred when Jewelyette, during a visit, referred to John Norman as her real dad, indicating the confusion she experienced about familial roles. Masserio, devastated, sought to maintain a connection with his daughter despite the emotional challenges.
By 2020, a new team of DCF social workers shifted the permanency plan for Jewelyette, recognizing the potential for reunification with Masserio. This decision sparked a renewed legal battle, as the Normans sought to intervene in the case, arguing that Jewelyette had lived with them for the majority of her life. For them, the desire to adopt Jewelyette was strong; she had become part of their family.
The situation escalated when a 2023 case law ruling allowed the Normans to intervene in custody hearings. However, the emotional toll of the custody battle weighed heavily on all parties involved. Masserio, now a father eager to provide for his daughter, faced mounting pressure as Jewelyette’s mental health declined following their reunion.
Tragically, in January 2025, Masserio was hospitalized for complications from the flu. During this time, Jewelyette reached out to her foster parents, expressing a desire to return to their care. The situation culminated in a heartbreaking emergency call where she disclosed her struggles at home with her father.
Masserio’s health deteriorated rapidly, leading to his passing on January 21, 2025. Just five months after he achieved his dream of reuniting with Jewelyette, he was gone. Following his death, she moved in with his sister, who sought legal guardianship to adopt her.
In June 2025, Jewelyette officially became a part of her father’s family during an adoption ceremony that was both joyous and poignant. Many gathered to celebrate the occasion, but the absence of Masserio loomed large. In a touching tribute, Jewelyette expressed her gratitude for the support she received, acknowledging her father’s love and unwavering commitment.
The emotional journey of John Masserio and his daughter Jewelyette underscores the complexities of the foster care system and the often-painful realities of family reunification. As legal battles continue to shape the landscape of child custody, the impact on the lives of children remains a critical concern for all involved.
