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MELVIN WORTMAN Obituary

WORTMAN--Mel. The Greenberger, Lieberbaum and Popkin families mourn the passing of Mel Wortman, the legendary director of Camps Baco/Che-Na-Wah. Mel and Ruth created a magical place that has enriched the lives of three generations of our family. Along with hundreds of others, we will be forever grateful for a life well lived. The Greenbergers, The Lieberbaums, The Popkins

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Oct. 27, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for MELVIN WORTMAN

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Richard Raymond

October 21, 2023

Still missed! Richard & Judith Raymond

Rob Frankenthaler

November 21, 2013

A great leader, mentor, father figure. A man a young boy could really look up to. He will always be with me.

Paul Marber

November 4, 2013

To the entire Wortman, Baco and Che-Na-Wah families, please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of this great man. Mel touched and positively influenced many lives over the years and I am personally appreciative of that influence. Mel cared about his campers as would any parent of their own child. The atmosphere he fostered at Camp Baco enhanced our lives and enabled us to secure life-long friendships. His memory and impact will survive forever.

Richard & Judy Raymond

November 4, 2013

Our deepest condolences to the Wortman family. We felt privileged getting to know Mel at Balfour Lake. We know he will be sorely missed by so many whose lives he has touched.

Dave and Sheryl Arbogast

November 2, 2013

We were sorry to hear of the passing of Mel. He had a positive influence on me as a man and an educator. His legacy will not only live on through Camp, but more importantly the lives of the young people he came into contact with.

Carolyn Dickerson

November 1, 2013

I so sorry to hear of Mr Wortmans passing, I knew him and Mrs Wortman has been a patron of my business in Florida for many years. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Carolyn

Andy MAYERS

October 28, 2013

Mel was truly a tremendous person and impacted my life during my days at Baco. He will truly be missed and was loved by many. I am happy that my boys and the other campers at Baco and Cha na wa were able to experience Mel's love and devotion.
Forever in our memory. The Mayers

Cindy and Neil Garroway

October 28, 2013

Our condolences to Ruth, and all of the family. Our three sons had such respect and affection for Mel. They have great memories of their years at Camp Baco.

Michael "Ziggy" Herzig

October 28, 2013

Mel and Ruth created such a special environment at Baco, it is difficult to fathom how many lives benefited from his vision, wisdom and leadership. I am proud to be one of many who count themselves better people for time spent at Baco with Mel.

Jack and Karen Berkow

October 28, 2013

we were so sorry to hear of Mel's passing.we truly enjoyed hearing all of the travel stories and adventures around the pool in Florida. Ruth,we know you have many wonderful memories and may they be a comfort to you and your family.

Craig Cohen

October 28, 2013

Like George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life," Mel's positive influence on generations of campers will continue to resonate. To Mel Wortman, the richest man I know!

October 28, 2013

Like George Bailey from "It's Wonderful Life," Mel's impact will continue to resonate on the generations of campers whose lives he impacted and helped shape. To Mel Wortman - the richest man I know!

Summer 2012

Andrew Grabel

October 27, 2013

The ultimate "Baco Boy". Mel, you will be missed but your legacy will live on for countless campers past, present, and future.

Carol/Harold Goldman

October 27, 2013

Mel was such a positive influence on thousands of people. Our family has two generations of csmpers. The highlight of the year was and is the summer at camp. We've spent many holidays and special occasions with the Wortman. A bright light has dimmed. His legacy will live on. Our thoughts are with the Wortman family.

Carol and Harold Goldman

Susan Leigh

October 27, 2013

Evan and I will miss Mel as both my dad's dearest friend and our beloved camp director. He introduced both my son and I to what camp can mean in a young person's life. When Evan, st seven, was ready to get on the bus for his first summer at camp, I asked him if he was nervous, since he didn't know anyone yet. He just said, "I know Uncle Mel" and got on the bus. May his memory be for a blessing.

Robert Rothbaum

October 27, 2013

Mel was a larger than life figure who had such a positive impact on my life and the lives of so many young people. He was a wonderful man who left an indelible imprint on my memories of the summers I spent at Baco. His life and memory should celebrated.

Barry Schechter

October 27, 2013

A stellar educator, a fine man, a Principal that was a real pal. P.S. 114 was the better thanks to him.

RuRu Biener

October 27, 2013

I will miss Mel so much. He has been a major part of my life and a beloved friend. May you find peace knowing what a full life he has had and how many people are better for knowing him. Especially me. I will miss seeing you Mel on the beach in Florida the lake in Minerva. You were one of the BEST!

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