Vale: John Tesoriero - founding member of Lane Cove Camera Club (now LCCP)

We are sad to announce the passing of John Tesoriero, founding member of our club, on Monday 21st February, a week after turning 98.

 John’s love of photography began early in life.  As a young soldier in New Guinea in the second world war he used his forbidden camera to document a soldier’s life in the jungle, smuggling his exposed rolls of film to his family in Sydney for processing.  On returning from service, he purchased his first decent camera and began photography in earnest.

 In 1948 John married Claire Russo and his photography was forced to take a back seat while he built a home in Lane Cove and their family expanded with the arrival of five sons.  By 1970 he felt able to devote more time to photography and went looking for a club to join.  On finding none, he started his own, and the first meeting was held in the North Sydney Anzac Memorial Club on 9th July 1970.

 In August 1972 he moved the club meetings to the Lane Cove Public Library and the club officially became known as the Lane Cove Camera Club.  The aim of the club was to be both educational and social where one could learn, practice and enjoy photography in a good social climate with a measured amount of competition.   

John’s contribution to the club covered every aspect of service, in particular his 14 years as Secretary and 11 as Treasurer, and fittingly he was awarded Life Membership.

 Affectionately known as “the Godfather”, John was a much loved and respected club member, whose enthusiasm for photography and the club, drew many new people to photography.  When attendance at meetings became impossible, he kept abreast of club happenings and was continually in touch with club members until shortly before his passing.

 The club has yet to celebrate the 50th anniversary of John’s club; hopefully that will happen this year on 14th July when we celebrate 50+2 at which you will receive a copy of the club history documenting its origins and major happenings which was printed in readiness for our planned 2020 celebration.  Sadly, John has missed taking part in the celebrations, but had the pleasure of receiving and reading the published history in the club’s 50th year.