Michael deCamp Obituary


Edenton resident

Michael Anderson deCamp, 85, of 417 S. Broad St., died Tuesday, April 9, 2013 in his home. His life was a clear path; no regrets, no guilt, no complications. He was a powerful force that will be missed. Mr. deCamp was born in New York City, N.Y., and was a son of the late Jesse Albert and Margaret Dodsworth deCamp. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, William Dodsworth deCamp and Laurent deCamp. A graduate of Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Conn., and later in 1949 from Princeton University, he taught science for 20 years at The Peck School in Morristown, N.J. Mr. deCamp was a prominent art photographer with works in museums and publications throughout the world. A pioneer in underwater shipwreck exploration and identifications on the entire East Coast of the United States, he was the first sport diver to go to the sunken Andrea Doria, off Nantucket, Mass. (related article on www.millerfhc.com). Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Wesley Martin deCamp; a son, John A. "Jock" deCamp and wife, Laurie of Nyack, N.Y.; a daughter, Carly deCamp Lober and husband, Keith, of South Lake Tahoe, Calif.; and three grandchildren, Daisy Cassidy Diamonti, her husband, A.J. ,and their son, Jack, of Novato, Calif., George Michael Cassidy of Pacific Grove, Calif. and Hayden Grace deCamp of Nyack. In accordance with his wishes, no service will be held. Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, Edenton, assisted the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Divers Alert Network, 6 West Colony Place, Durham, NC 27705 Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.

Published by The Daily Advance on Apr. 12, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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I knew Mike as the father of the most beautiful girl in Morristowm, and no I don't mean you Jock. I courted Carly when she was no older than 12. We went to NYC (my mom drove), we went to a French restaurant called The French Shack and Carly let me hold her hand. She was, sigh, my first love. Thomas Hallett

Thomas Hallett

December 20, 2013

We have walked together in the shadow of a rainbow and I pray that your family finds peace and comfort in the hard days ahead.

Stuart Allen
(an old diving buddy)

Stuart Allen

May 29, 2013

Dear Mrs. DeCamp, Jock & Carly (and all the spouses and children I do not know):

Along with all my classmates and so many others, I loved the man we called "Uncle Sir" and who taught us so much not just about Science but also gave us life lessons and advice that I remember clearly today for their absolute "rightness". Above all, he taught us that curiosity and a spirit of adventure are key -- and that -- at least some -- people over 30 weren't so old after all. I, too, loved my Corvette ride and all those amazing pictures of the Andrea Doria, diving beneath the Antarctic icecap and so much else.

Thank you, dear "Uncle Sir" for being not just our teacher but our true friend. Heaven is surely a livelier place with you there.

With love, Susan Nichols Ferriere

Susan Ferriere

April 22, 2013

Michael may have been a strange bird but he was a great one and will be sorely missed. Whether charging his RV via extension cords on main street, wearing his raccoon coat on warm days, or warding off dogs with a big stick, it always brought a smile to my face to see Michael. And Wes, my heart breaks for you but I know you found the love of your life, had a great dance and don't regret a thing -- Broad Street is not the same. Much love to you Wes and your family.

Earline B. White Cross

April 20, 2013

Mike made science fun. Not just for me, but for all my classmates. Even at the cost of disturbing other classes nearby. His extracurricular activities--diving, photography, epic family roadtrips, taught us that there was a larger world out there worthy of our curiosity and planted seeds that led me to experience the wilder corners of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

Mike didn't suffer fools gladly. He was an absolute terror when it came to abuses of authority especially when perpetrated on kids. He rescued several of us from the Morristown jail late one Halloween evening when we were rounded up on suspicion of pulling fire alarm boxes. For once, we were innocent. Fortunately. I would have not wanted to be the object of that wrath! I don't think it took him two minutes from pillow to gaol, it wasn't just because he had the fastest car in town. He was steamed.

Thanks, Mike, for all of that and much more and especially for siring my friend Jock. Please accept my condolences, Jock, Carly, and Wes.

Mike Macy

April 16, 2013

I am sorry to hear of Mikes passing. Mike is a true legend.
Mike will be missed by the diving community.
I offer my condolence to Mike's family.

Capt. eddie boyle

April 14, 2013

goodbye mike. thanks for my favorite classes at peck, for the photos, for the diving lessons, for the ride in your corvette, for guiding a few of us up mt chocorua one summers day, and for letting us know it was not crazy to do things like look for meaning in an overgrown field.

cort shurtleff

April 13, 2013

Wes, our hearts are with you in your time of loss; Michael was a fine person, possessed of extraordinary talent and his legacy will live on. May you find comfort in the friends who are part of your life now as well as in remembering those who honor your husband now.

Bill and Gail Miller

April 12, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of need.

Culligan Water

April 12, 2013

Mike was a fine teacher, one of the few I particularly admired. It was many years later that I came to realize that he was not just a pioneer of sport diving, but a true legend. I am grateful to have had a chance to talk shop with Mike. I only regret that we didn't hit the U-352 two years ago with George Purifoy. When I do the Doria, I'll put a memorial plaque on the stern rail. See you soon at Deco-1, Mike. Love you, Wes.

TC

Tim Cutler

April 12, 2013

Wes I am shocked at the news of Mikes departure; I will miss him and remember our conversations. A very interesting, intelligent individual. Gilliam Wood

April 12, 2013

I considered Mike to be a very good friend of mine. I always looked forward to seeing him come by the store. We have had many good conversations and I will miss him. Jack Evans

April 11, 2013

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