Middle school teacher identified in fatal bicycle crash in Charlton

CHARLTON, Mass. — A 40-year-old man was the victim of a fatal bicycle crash in Charlton on Friday night.

The victim, identified as John Paire, was hit by a 54-year-old Wilbraham man driving a 1997 Audi A4 on Route 20 near South Sturbridge Road at around 3:30 p.m. Paramedics pronounced Paire dead at the scene.

According to police, the man driving the car stopped at the scene immediately.

Preliminary investigation indicates the bicyclist came out of a side street before it collided with the car, according to State Troopers.

Mr. Paire was a longtime administrator at the Dudley Middle School and current teacher at Charlton Middle School.

The Dudley-Charlton Regional School District Superintendent Gregg J. Desto says Paire was one of his best friends and colleagues and described Paire as a dear friend to many at the school and as an educator who "would do anything to help the students succeed."

Paire was an educator for more than a decade, and most recently was teaching at Charlton Middle School.

In a letter, Desto remembers Paire's legacy to the school and to each individual student he helped succeed.

Any staff member who took good care of the students had John's unconditional support. He was the rare leader who cared about people for more than their role within the school. He cared about them as people, he cared about their families, and he made decisions with compassion, sincerity and commitment to his core beliefs. Hiring John into the district will always be near the top of the list of things I am most proud of in my career. Like so many, I loved working with him for everything he brought  the love of kids, the empathy for struggling families, the common sense mindset and the hours and hours of laughter. Our district is undoubtedly a lesser place for his passing, but I knew John well enough to know that he would not want us to just sit around and be sad. He and I navigated many difficult situations together, and I know he would want us, first and foremost, to take care of our students and one another.

Desto says the school will be hosting several support sessions for students. Starting on Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the middle school.

The school will also have guidance counselors and psychologists at the school throughout the week to help students dealing with the tragic loss of their teacher.

Cox Media Group