James V. Casmano

James V. Casmano, age 98, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, at Newton Medical Center. Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, Mr. Casmano lived in the Clifton and Passaic areas before moving to Sussex County. He had served in the United States Army during World War II.

Mr. Casmano had been the proprietor and Director of The Elmwood Conservatory of Music in Passaic, where he was able to share his love of music with his students since 1947, when he founded the institution. He had also served as the Director of Bands at Seton Hall University and St. Peter's College and as director of the Modern School of Music in Passaic. Mr. Casmano personally organized the American Youth Orchestra in 1959 with the purpose of affording young musicians not only training in orchestral technique, routine and repertoire, but experience ine

playing the standard repertoire before live audiences.

He was a member of St. Monica R.C. Church in Sussex, the American Guild of Music, The College Bank Directors National Association, The National Catholic Bandmasters Association, The National Association of Schools of Music, the American Accordion Association, The Associated Music Teachers League, and the Accordion Teachers Association of New Jersey. Mr. Casmano was predeceased by his wife, Rose (Grecco) Casmano on Nov. 16, 2013. Affectionately called "Uncle Jimmy," he will be missed by the many nieces and nephews who survive him. Mass of Christian burial will

be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, at St. Monica R.C. Church, 33 Unionville Avenue, Sussex. Interment will follow at Mt. Salem Cemetery. Friends may pay their respects to the family on Thursday one hour prior to Mass from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Pinkel Funeral Home, 31 Bank Street (Route 23), Sussex. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.pinkelfuneralhome.com.