LACEY – Many of the art collectors who won bids at a recent silent auction at the Lacey Community Center never met the artist in person. However, as the late Lanoka Harbor resident’s work adorns various homes and businesses, his enduring legacy will remain.
John Massa DiCesare, a 50-year-old veteran whose life ended tragically on January 5, 2024, left behind a portrayal of his inner struggles and his unwavering quest for peace through his abstract artwork.
His wife of 17 years, Erin DiCesare, bravely shared the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding John’s passing. “He died 30 hours after his release from the Veterans Hospital in East Orange,” Erin revealed. “He was hospitalized for PTSD, depression, and thoughts of suicide.”
Erin, a licensed clinical social worker, said she begged the hospital to delay John’s discharge. She knew her husband was still in a bad place and will forever remember the man who was a bright light in her life.
John Massa DiCesare, 50, was remembered as a selfless man who often helped others. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
A local organization called Ma Deuce Deuce (MA22) continues to bring attention to the number of veterans who die by suicide on a daily basis. On January 5, 2024, John was unfortunately one of the daily average number of 22 veterans who take their lives throughout the country.
Knowing her late husband would want to make a difference, Erin donated 75 pieces of his artwork to the auction for a cause she considered important. Proceeds from the auction, totaling approximately $10,000, were directed to Mount Zion, a veterans’ transitional housing space operated by Lacey Vetworks in partnership with Lacey United Methodist Church.
Tom Kiselow, a founding member of MA22 and Executive Director of Lacey VetWorks, opened the evening’s proceedings and led a candlelight ceremony in honor of John and all fallen veterans. Mayor Peggy Sue Juliano expressed gratitude to the hundreds in attendance, emphasizing the importance of supporting local veterans and the community at large.
Admitting he never met John personally, Rev. Jonathan Campbell of the Lacey United Methodist Church said that one thing jumped out about John as he read about him and spoke to people.
John Massa DiCesare painted to find piece and inspire piece in others. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
“He did his artwork to find peace,” said Campbell. “Doing his artwork brought him peace…and he did his art to give peace to others.”
Campbell reminded those gathered that Mount Zion was created to give homeless veterans a place to feel safe and secure – and give them a sense of peace.
Attendees gathered for the silent auction, not merely to bid on paintings, but to honor a man who served his country as a United States Marine during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Margo and Clive Medland were among those who admired the beautiful splashes of color, each stroke telling a story of resilience and hope.
“We came here at the request of a friend to support the young man,” said Margo of Lacey. “We already have our eye on one piece.”
As Margo signed in to bid on the art that she selected, she discovered she had competition. Out of a display of 75 pieces of art, someone else was ready to up her bid.
Margo Medland bids on one of the paintings at the silent auction. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Born in Bayonne and raised in Lacey, John was a man of many talents and passions. According to those who knew him, his life was marked by service, creativity, and kindness. A Lacey High School graduate, John understood the power of higher education, earning three bachelor’s degrees. His military service was a source of pride, but it was his creativity, expressed through painting, which offered solace during challenging times.
John and Erin were third-generation owners and operators of Massa’s Tavern in Bayonne, a family-owned business that had been operating for 90 years and closed in 2022.
Marines and others bowed their heads during a special candlelight ceremony. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Beyond his artistic pursuits, John embraced outdoor activities and cherished moments with his wife, Erin, and their nine rescue cats. His generosity knew no bounds, as he dedicated himself to helping those in need, including caring for his mother and contributing to his community.
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