Bristol County man who died after car crash left an indelible mark on countless young people

A Bristol County man who died after a crash over the weekend is being remembered as a special human being who touched many lives.

According to Jennifer Sowa of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, just after 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Mansfield police were dispatched regarding a motor vehicle crash located at 250 East Street, the access road to Mansfield High School. Mansfield police and EMS responded and located 2 damaged motor vehicles.

One vehicle, a gray Toyota Corolla, displayed signage for Teachers Drivers Academy, and the second involved vehicle was identified as a white Ford Explorer.

Police located, 80-year-old John Masciarelli, a rear seat passenger of the Toyota Corolla who appeared to suffer a medical episode shortly after the motor vehicle collision. Masciarelli was transported by Mansfield EMS to Good Samaritan Hospital where he was pronounced deceased after receiving life-saving measures by medical staff.

The Toyota Corolla, operated by a permitted driver along with the front seat passenger, a road test agent for the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, were also transported to Good Samaritan Hospital for observation and minor injuries. The operator of the Ford Explorer was transported to Sturdy Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

According to those who knew him, Masciarelli was a retired Physical Education teacher at Dighton Middle School and a Dighton-Rehoboth Football coach.

Bill Runey, Superintendent of the Dighton Rehoboth Regional School District issued a statement that gave some insight on the impact Masciarelli made in the community.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John Masciarelli, a retired teacher and coach from the Dighton Rehoboth Regional School District. He was highly respected and revered by his students and colleagues alike for his passion, dedication, and commitment to the education and development of young people.

“It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to such a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on the lives of countless students who were fortunate enough to cross his path. John’s unwavering enthusiasm for teaching and coaching will always be remembered and cherished.

“It is especially poignant that he passed away while doing what he loved best – working with young people. He has left a legacy that will inspire and guide future generations of students and educators in the Dighton Rehoboth Regional School District.
On behalf of the entire DR community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, former colleagues, and students. I hope they may be able to find comfort and solace in the memories of his exceptional life and the positive impact he had on so many people as he personified that We Are DR.”

According to Mansfield Police, the juvenile driver of the Carolla was cited for failure to yield to oncoming traffic.