John David Pinto - Former Faculty

Our beloved John David Pinto, 72, of Norway, Maine, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2024, after a valiant three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. John was not only a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, but a true friend, colleague and champion for his community.

Born on April 14, 1952, in Newport, Rhode Island, to John D. Pinto and Annie Crooks, John grew up with a love for learning. John graduated from Floral Park Memorial High School and then St. Francis University in Loretta, PA in 1974. John was a three-season, four-year varsity athlete in cross-country, wrestling and track and field in high school. John then went on to compete at the college level in wrestling as well. He was so happy to have been able to attend his 50th College Reunion this past summer and reconnect with old friends, which brought back so many memories and laughter.

John’s passion for teaching led him to a fulfilling career in education, where he inspired countless students. He first taught at Fryeburg Academy for many years before spending a few years working within the CN Brown family business. John then returned to his love of education at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. As Chair of the history department at OHCHS, John was deeply committed to his students and colleagues, finding immense purpose in teaching, sharing his love for history and encouraging students to pursue passions beyond high school.

John was also an inspiring and treasured coach. John coached many high school sports over the years including tennis, cross-country and led an outstanding wrestling program during his years at Fryeburg Academy. John then went on to work with the athletes he loved, coaching Oxford Hills Viking middle and high school football.

John’s passions extended to the outdoors, where he found peace and joy in sailing, fly fishing and alpine skiing. Whether tying a fly, casting his line in a quiet river with friends or heading up to the mountain to ski for the day, he felt a deep connection to nature and shared that love with family and friends. John also spent much of his free time over the years crafting complex and historic home renovations. His warmth, compassion, sense of humor and zest for life touched countless people in Maine, and beyond. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will continue to inspire those who knew him.

John’s love for his family was boundless. He leaves behind his beloved wife Suzanne Brown Pinto; his daughters Kursten TenHoor of Yarmouth, ME, and Alexandra Noriega of Boulder, CO; his son-in-law Pablo Noriega, and his treasured grandchildren, Caroline Grace and Kate Elizabeth TenHoor, Penelope Luisa and Mateo Andres Noriega, who each held a very special and proud place in his heart. John also leaves his sisters, Alice Power of Floral Park and Patricia Pinto of Manhattan. He is predeceased by his grandparents James and Elizabeth Pinto, his parents John Pinto and Annie Crooks, as well as his son-in-law Christopher TenHoor.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on November 30th, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, with a private burial at #4 Cemetery in Lovell.

Contributions in honor of John Pinto can be made to a scholarship fund for a deserving student at OHCHS. Donations may be made to https://gofund.me/48202f6c or a check mailed to Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, c/o Fund for John Pinto, 256 Main St., South Paris, ME. Donations can also be made by visiting Project Purple: https://www.projectpurple.org/ , to help fight this terrible disease.