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The John P Masciarelli Memorial Fund was established to "create a loving and memorable legacy" for the "beloved man" who worked for the Dighton-Rehoboth School District, a GoFundMe reads.
Masciarelli died from injuries he sustained in a car crash that happened on East Street near Mansfield High School on Saturday afternoon, April 15, The Sun Chronicle reports.
A student driver, from the Teachers Driving Academy, was cited for causing the accident because they failed to yield to oncoming traffic, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Masciarelli was working as an instructor for the school at the time of the crash.
"He was greatly loved and will be sorely missed by his family, community, students, and lifelong friends," Masciarelli's obituary reads. "When he saw you, he lit up and made you know you were very special to him, because he truly felt blessed to have you in his life."
Born in Milford, Masciarelli was a "standout high school athlete" who went on to attend Boston University before pursuing a career in physical education, according to his obituary.
Masciarelli, who adopted the nickname "Mr. Mash," would end up teaching and coaching for Dighton-Rehoboth Public Schools for 38 years. It was during this time that Masciarelli made "countless lifelong connections with his students and athletes that live on to this day."
"John was happiest surrounded by his family," his obituary continues. "He had an unquenchable thirst for living life to its fullest. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed nothing more than filling a room with laughter."
Masciarelli leaves behind his wife of 58 years, named Norma, his brothers Eugene and James, his three children Cynthia, Steven and Michael as well as seven grandchildren.
Friends and family are invited to calling hours at the O'Keefe-Wade Funeral Home at 70 Washington Street in Taunton from 4-7 p.m. on Friday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Nicholas of Myra Church in North Dighton at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
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