I am just learning of his passing and saddened to hear about it. I first met Michael when l worked for him 10 years at the bankruptcy firm in North Miami. I’m grateful I had the chance to know him as both a colleague and a friend. My condolences to his family and friends. May the special memories you made together help you through this difficult time.

Cincinnati Skyline from Met Club

Cru Dinner Menu and Pairings

Mike - 

This is a happy memory on your birthday.   

You and Laila Gonzales and me and Karen Silber and Doug Bolton and others at the Cru Dinners at the Metropolitan Club.  We would enjoy great food and wine pairings.  The food and wine and the company was outstanding.  The dinner conversations ranged from business to family to travel and back again.  Never borning., always interesting.  2-3 hours of great time, food and conversatiom with a great view of the Cincinnati skyline.  

It will be okay in 2026.  Thanks for being there for Laila, your family and friends.  We carry on in Kentucky, Ohio and Florida and miss you. 

Cheers, 

James  

I was very saddened to learn of Mike's passing.  We were friends in high school.  He was an all-around great guy and an excellent trumpet player.  

Farewell to a colleague and mentor in consumer bankruptcy with whom I shared many clients and cases. I also  knew Michael's father lawyer Robert Frank,  before I knew Michael.  Michael had a special spirit and will be missed!

I got to know Mike in the last few years and always enjoyed his company. Brother lawyer with the gift of gab and connecting we had a lot to talk about. I mentioned I had been to Miami a few times and loved the culture there, he could relate. Sports, music, food, wine and famly were good and fun topics that I shared with him all around NKY and the Metropolitan Club in Covington. Rest in peace and prayers for Laila and family.

I am so sad to hear this terribly sad news. Michael visited UF while I was in law school and we always remained friends. Laila - I’m sending you and the whole family my heartfelt condolences! Michael was a great guy - May he rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing… 🦋🩵

Dear Laila 

I just learned today of Michael's passing. Michael was a giver and helped me unconditionally always. Helped me with my first CH13. Many lunches together with you. God bless you.

Andres Montejo 

Dear Lalia

I will remember Mike as both a tough and kind colleague. By coincidence his father Bob and my father Lou were friends. He  (and you) never said "no" when asked to participate in a UM bankruptcy program. For that I will always be grateful.

I will miss him.

Fondly,

Barbara Phillips

Michael was such a nice guy, he was always so down to earth and I always laughed while chatting with him.  Laila I am so so sorry for your loss, may his memory be a blessing.  

Starting off my career as a baby lawyer law clerk, I still remember Mike's court appearances.  He really was a hurricane and a terrific advocate; never a dull moment when he was at the podium.   Better yet, he always had a story or something funny to say to lighten up the mood.  But most importantly, you could always see the glimmer in his eye saying "hang out with me and let's cause some trouble."  Those are the people you want to have around you in life.

I haven't seen Mike as much over the years because we now all live for the most part on a virtual computer screen and the kibbtizing we all did in the past is, well, in the past. That said, you will be missed, Mike.     

Mike, you have gone before us, as you did so many times in our life here on earth.  You are missed, but someday we, too, will follow you to the other side.  Until we meet again, rest in peace. ❤️

I admired Frank's zealous representation of his clients and arguments supporting his legal position.  He was a great lawyer and his presence will be missed by me and many others. R.I.P.  

Feel like i lost a brother from another mother, speechless and shattered, irreplaceable

Dearest Laila, I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear this news from a dear friend in MB. I wish you and your loved ones strength in having had him in your lives. I’m so grateful that we had an opportunity to get together about a year ago, after so long. He lived life and was a role model for us all!

I too was deeply saddened and heart-broken to hear this news. Mike and I met initially at Dolphin games, where Laila and him, sat right in front of us.  As mutual rabid football fans and sharing a zest of life, it was inevitable that we would become fast friends, and it all started with him inviting me to his tailgates at Canes games, something that we did for years, at a time where I didnt have but yearned for a tailgate "home" because my kids had left for college.  He made me feel at home, and enjoyed his inner football circle as he introduced me to his close friends including, Maria and Randy Jones at these games.  But what stood up to me was his love of people, of the best tailgate and bringing fans (whether Gator or Canes) together.  I still remember him wearing that chef's apron, posting up with his convertible, running around with humor and purpose, inviting (demanding) that you try his burger or other culinary treats made just for that day. He spent hours prepping for these tailgate parties - he was the center of attention in such a natural way and so easy to chat with. He made games and indeed life that much better.  As a fellow lawyer, it was great to see someone who could be Best In Class at work and on weekends.  In these crazy, chaotic times we need more Mokes!  His persona and love resonated with all those he met, starting with his immediate family and radiating out from there.  I therefore send the deepest of condolences to Laila and all of the Frank family near and far. I know his spirit will carry on indeed !  

Michael - I remember you so well.  You were ALWAYS kind and made us at the U.S. Trustee's Office and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court feel comfortable around you.  You will be missed BIG TIME!

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Michael's passing. There is no question that he will be greatly missed.

My deepest condolences to you and your family. A great lawyer and a terrific person.

Michael and I were very close growing up as kids. We  celebrated many happy family times together and some sad ones. Laila and family my heart is broken for losing a great guy. Love to you all. 

Our family was very saddened and heart broken to hear this news.  We loved Michael on and off the baseball field as he coached Paul in Khoury League.  His smile….infectious….his heart….huge!    It was always great running into Michael after Paul’s baseball years were done! Rest in peace.  

I am so grateful you were there to celebrate with us. 🤍