Michael J. Camasso, good friend to many

Michael J. Camasso, 76, of Milton, passed away Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. 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., 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 University of Catania in Sicily and 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. With support from Johnson & Johnson, fourth-graders from a local New Brunswick, N.J., elementary school formed the first group of children to participate. It eventually expanded to seven other area schools. The program operated three 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 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 19, at Lewes Presbyterian Church, 133 Kings Hwy., Lewes, followed by a committal service. Visitation for family and friends will be from 10 to 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lewes Presbyterian Church or a charity of choice.

Visit Mr. Camasso’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.