Townsend Obituary: John E. Masolo
Author: Family of John E. Masolo
John E. Masolo
Family of John E. Masolo
December 22, 1941 – September 1, 2025
John Evan Masolo, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 1, 2025.
John was born in Whitehall, MT on December 22, 1941, to Charles and Wilma (Jones) Masolo. He joined two siblings at home, Phylis and Bob. In 1945, the family left Silver Star and moved to the ranch at Winston. John attended elementary school in Winston until it closed and he transferred to Townsend, where he graduated from Broadwater County High in 1960. He then began a series of truck driving jobs.
In 1963, John met the love of his life, Carol Darner and they married on November 7, 1964. They began their family and three sons were born – Craig Evan, Kurt Eric, and Kyle Eden. The ranch called John back home, and they settled in their long-time home.
Rodeo came calling and John began steer wrestling until his joints started getting affected and the crew switched to team roping. His greatest thrill was winning the USTRC Championship in Washington, where he won his first saddle.
He went on to win six (6) more saddles plus numerous belt buckles, horse blankets, and breast collars.
When the ranch was sold in 1985, John started his new career with Broadwater County, maintaining county roads. He retired from the county after 20 years. John never lost his love of driving truck, and once again he spent many hours behind the wheel.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Wilma Masolo; his brother Bob Masolo; his nephew and wife, David and Pam Masolo; and his great-grandson, Phoenix Carlson.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol Masolo, sons Craig (Misty) Masolo, Kurt Masolo, and Kyle Masolo; Grandchildren Timmy Meagher, Tanner Theriault, Beau (Jennifer) Masolo, Braden (Julia) Masolo, Chase Masolo, Kayli Masolo, Kara (David) Carlson, Whitni ( Collin) Moore, Tyler Masolo, and Wyatt Masolo, sister Phylis Price, sisters-in-law Gay Ann Masolo and Jo Moffit, 16 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will take place at 11:00 am, September 26, 2025, at the Broadwater County Fairgrounds. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Townsend Rodeo Club or to a group or non-profit of your choice.
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