Michael J. Camasso's Obituary
Michael J. Camasso, 76, of Milton, DE passed away on August 31, 2024, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, DE. He was born in Pittston, PA to Michael Camasso and Betty (Bressler) Camasso. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Carol Ann Borthwick.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Anne E. Camasso, his Sister Roselyn Long (Wyoming, PA), brother-in-law Ken Borthwick, nephew Ken Borthwick Jr. and his wife and children.
He graduated from Pittston High School, received his undergraduate degree from Kings College (Wilkes Barre, PA), a master’s degree from University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA), an MSW from Marywood College (Scranton, PA) and a PhD from Penn State University (State College, PA).
He joined Rutgers University in 1983, first in the Graduate School of Social Work and then in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Economics where taught economics and statistics (everyone’s favorite subject). His research took him to numerous European countries, and he taught at the University of Catania in Sicily and the University of Konstanz in Germany.
He had a love of all nature which resulted in numerous gardens on his property which his wife will do her best to keep up. This love was instrumental in the belief that children could enjoy learning by learning to love nature. Working with a Rutgers University colleague, they developed a program called Nurture Thru Nature (NtN). With support from Johnson & Johnson, 4th graders from a local New Brunswick, NJ elementary school formed the first group of children to participate. It eventually expanded to 7 other area schools. The program operated 3 days a week in July and August and continued as an after-school program throughout the fall and spring during the regular school year. Students were encouraged to return year after year, older mentoring younger students. The overall goal was to encourage students to stay in school and to enjoy and continue learning. The program continued until COVID 19 and like many other things had to be disbanded.
A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Committal service on Thursday September 19, 2024, at Lewes Presbyterian Church 133 Kings Highway Lewes, DE. Visitation for family and friends will be from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lewes Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.
Please sign Mr. Camasso’s Tribute wall at this site.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE HAVE ALL ARRANGEMENTS DELIVERED ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 BY 3:00 PM AT PARSELL FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORIUM ATKINS-LODGE CHAPEL, LEWES.
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