Mike was easy to love. He was a smart, kind, generous, and a devoted husband and father. He was raised by hard-working parents in Atlantic City, NJ. Mike was bright, curious, and ambitious. He studied computing at Stevens Institute of Technology and achieved awards and accolades throughout his entire career. He married the love of his life and raised two exceptionally bright and compassionate sons. Mike traveled all over the world throughout his career and later by luxury cruise lines, a mode of travel he enjoyed immensely. He was also a doting Saba to his grandchildren and provided them with love and generosity.
Now, I’d like to read some of Mike’s own words about his life. He writes about the People Who Influenced Me
My parents who worked too hard to make my life easier.
My Professor Tony Ralston of Stevens Institute of Technology.
My wife, Ann, of course, is the biggest influence with all I do. She is my first and only love.
I first met Ann in the fall of my senior year at Stevens (1963). I was a member of the Jewish
Fellowship and we held a dance in Jacobus Hall. When she walked in I was immediately attracted to her. I thought she was exceptionally cute. All her physical attributes matched my ideals: good looking, dark hair, slim, a great smile, friendly. I still remember what she was wearing: dark green culottes and a tan blouse with stripes. That experience reminded me of the words of the song, “Some Enchanted Evening.”
The dance was held in a large room on the 3rd floor. I was responsible for clean up after the dance. I had to dispose of the melted ice that was in the gray rectangular tub we used to hold cans of soda. To my dismay, I discovered that the ladies bathroom was operational but the mens room was still under construction. I verbally complained that I had to lug the tub of melted ice to another floor. Ann overheard me and insisted that I should dump the tub in the ladies room; that she would check to make sure it was empty. Together we took the tub into the ladies room and I dumped it in the sink. I often tell people that I met Ann in the ladies room. That always stopped everyone cold who was hearing it for the first time.
My sons, Kevin and Simeon. How did they become so talented?
I am immensely impressed with Kevin and Simeon. I wonder where they inherited their expertise? The typical family progression is for children to look up to their parents. However, with both, I look up to them. I am thankful they are so talented and have a strong technical skill set to rely on for employment. I am amused that both refused my suggestion to pursue computing as a career but then wound up excelling at it. Now, despite my 40 plus years in the computing field, I view them as my primary consultants for personal computing challenges. I am also thrilled and proud to be with my grandchildren. They are so well behaved and a pleasure to be with.
My sister-in-law Rosie and her family whose company and hospitality have been a treasure.
My sister Gerry and Louis who were a nearby comfort when I was in Hoboken and Jersey City.
Sun City
Retiring to Sun City was an outstanding decision. We have had great friends in Sun City. We met Rod and Arlene Locke right away since they were relatively new as well. Nelda and Bob Meyers have been dear friends for years. We welcomed the arrival of Evelyn and Art Cohen, our very close friends from the Piano area. We also welcomed the arrival of Arlene and Paul Simon who decided to move here from Potomac MD after visiting us. Other friends we became close to include: Fern and Larry Lachman, Roz and Burt Anes, Cassie and Skelly Starr, Donna and Marty Gelfman, Phyllis and Malcolm Trobman among others.
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