Dr. Benjamin H. Cassutto

Obituary

Dr. Benjamin H. Cassutto, 52, of Millsboro went home to be with his Lord and Messiah on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012. Dr. Cassutto was born in Passaic, N.J., and grew up in Baltimore, when his parents accepted the call to ministry there. Since 1989, Dr. Cassutto had practiced as a small animal veterinarian in Maryland and Virginia, as well as in the U.S. Army. Capt. Cassutto served stateside as Chief, Veterinary Resources Section, Clinical Research Laboratory, 81st Medical Group, Keesler AFB, MS as well as liaison to the hospital commander on all aspects of the Animal Care and Use Program. Overseas, Capt. Cassutto served as a veterinary officer at the Okinawa Brach Veterinary Service, Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa, Japan. Dr. Cassutto was a founding member of FEMA/The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security/Veterinary Medical Assistance Team. Dr. Cassutto passed away from cancer in the Nanticoke Hospital, Seaford. Dr. Cassutto was a 1981 graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, a 1983 graduate of Old Dominion University, and in 1989, received his DMV from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (Virginia Tech). Dr. Cassutto had a stellar academic career in science and medicine, having worked in veterinary research, and publishing numerous scientific papers, journals, and periodicals. In the last few years, Dr. Cassutto had begun a foray in veterinary research and consulting, as well as having taught veterinary courses. Dr. Cassutto had owned and managed a Pet Hospital on the Eastern Shore from 2005 until 2010, and a wellness clinic for pets from 2001 to 2005. For the last few years, Dr. Cassutto was the campus veterinarian for Salisbury University.

Dr. Cassutto was a 2010 Finalist in Maryland's Health Care Heroes Award, Animal Care Category. Dr. Cassutto devoted his life to the care of animals, and was a passionate scientist, medical practitioner, and advocate for animals. As well, Dr. Cassutto was gifted as a musician, public speaker and author. He was passionate about family history, and had a great love from his family, and family legacy. Dr. Cassutto was very involved in his faith-life, at his beloved church, Living Stones, and the messianic congregation, Beth L'Chaim, where Benjamin served as congregational leader. Benjamin loved medical research, and was working on studies to enhance the therapeutic advancements for animal care and treatment. Benjamin loved his two cats, "Goodness" and "Mercy," and if possible, would have adopted every lonely animal needing a home. Having been raised in Baltimore, and graduated from Milford Mill High School, Benjamin was a big fan of the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles, and taped every game, spending hours dissecting plays and strategies with his beloved family. Benjamin was a Star Trek fan par none, and himself had written plays and novels with these themes, which he had hoped one day to turn into movie productions. Benjamin loved any literature, television, or movie with a redeeming theme, anchored in courage or justice. Benjamin loved old movies, old stories, and old friends. He was linguistic, speaking both Dutch and French. He was loyal, faithful and compassionate, as a veterinarian, a friend, a colleague, a brother, and husband. Dr. Cassutto was deeply patriotic, and was proud to serve in the U.S. Military. Dr. Cassutto was the son of the (late) Rev. Dr. Ernest and Elisabeth Cassutto of Maryland, Holocaust Survivors from The Netherlands. Benjamin lived his life to share their story, their legacy, and their faith. He had hoped that his books and stories, of which he was often asked to speak on at churches, congregations, libraries, and conferences, would help people to know the Messiah.

Dr. Cassutto is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth, of Millboro; three sisters, Hetty Haden and husband, James Haden. of Reiserstown, Md., Carolyn Stewart of Glen Burnie, Md., Marilyn Chryssovergis and husband, Alex, of West Orance, N.J., and a twin brother, George H. Cassutto, of Knoxville, Md., as well as many nieces and extended family. He was also loved dearly by his mother-in-law, Marie Mickel of Allentown, Pa., sister-in-law, Suzanne Sopko of Hellertown, Pa., and brother-in-law and wife, David and Chrisitne Mickel of Harbeson, Del.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 10:00 am at Living Stones Church, 31695 Winterplace Parkway, Salisbury. Interment will be held at a veterans cemetery in Baltimore at a later date.