Obituary of Michael Naso

Michael Naso, 65, passed in his home in Martinsville, NJ on Thursday, July 7th 2016 of complications due to cancer. A memorial service will be held at Higgins Funeral Home at 752 Mountain Boulevard, Watchung, NJ from 4 – 8pm on Friday 7/15. A Funeral mass will be held at 10am on Saturday 7/16 at Blessed Sacrament Church at 1890 Washington Valley Road, Martinsville, NJ. Born in the small rural village of San Ferdinando, Calabria, Italy on the 26th of December, 1950, Michael lived the American Dream. He immigrated to the United States in 1958 with mother Laura (deceased), older brother Frank (deceased), and younger sister Theresa, in order to meet their father, Giuseppe (deceased), who had left for this 'Land of Promise' three years prior. Michael attended St. Rocco's School of Newark and taught himself English by reading the dictionary. This undoubtedly led to his extensive vocabulary and penchant for proper grammar. He graduated from Seton Hall Prep in 1969 and enrolled at Rutgers University - Newark. However, it being the late 60's, Mike dropped out of college two years later to join a rock band, much to the chagrin of Giuseppe and Laura. From 1968 – 1974 and with requisite long hair and full beard, he played alto saxophone as part of an 8 piece rock-and-roll group called Factory. Said to have a 'Jersey Sound', the band backed up acts like Chuck Berry, as well as released their own tracks. After Factory dissolved, Mike played back up sax as part of The Duprees of big band fame. Though his time as a professional musician was brief, his passion for music – specifically jazz – lasted a lifetime. In 1979, Mike went into business with his brother, who quite literally taught Mike everything he knew about engineering. Evolving from an independent tool-and-die shop to a notable micrographics manufacturer, Zeta Products, Inc. grew to a multi-million dollar business where every member of the Naso family contributed. The brothers were awarded two patents for their work, designing machines to automate the manufacturing process. Zeta Products was located in Union, NJ for nearly 40 years, and now sells aftermarket automotive parts online. It remains within the Naso family. Michael was the beloved husband of Sharon Bodkin Naso for over 26 years; devoted father of Joseph M. Naso and loyal brother of Theresa Naso Somma. He is also survived by in-laws Patrick and Robin Bodkin, as well as many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Michael was truly loved! In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Michael's memory to either 88.3FM WBGO.org, to support the jazz music and community he held so dear, or to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.