Joe Kamsar

Joe Kamsar always knew that he wanted to be a teacher. “I’m a lifelong resident of Toms River, where I started my 45-year career as a science teacher and eventually became a school administrator,” said Joe. “I later became a college professor, and was also an association leader, serving as President of NJ State Science Teachers, and working with the National Science Foundation in Washington DC to develop curriculum. They say when you have a job you really love, you’ll never work a day in your life, and that is true for me. I was meant to be a teacher!”

Joe and Rochelle, his wife of 54 years, enjoyed travel immensely, and eventually visited all 7 continents. “After we had toured the world, we were ready for our next adventure, and moved to Harrogate in 2009 when we were in our mid-70’s. “With both of us working in the Toms River school system, we knew so many people in the area, many of whom lived at Harrogate. They were all very happy here, so we knew we would be happy here, too. I was extremely impressed with the way Harrogate was run and knew that their sound fiscal stewardship meant the community would be here for generations to come. We moved in while we were young and active and had a ball together. We went on every trip, attended every concert, and joined every committee at one time or another. We socialized every day, and that made all the difference when Rochelle was diagnosed with cancer. She was active right up until the very end. If we had lived in our old house, she would probably have felt isolated. She only spent a few weeks in the Health Center before she passed, but the care she received there was outstanding. I am so grateful we were at Harrogate together for three years to enjoy it all.”