Melvin Michaels, RIP

Your Bloguero's father (on the right) passed away on the morning of February 17, 2012. His obituary:

Melvin L. Michaels, a long time public school teacher and administrator, passed away on February 17, 2012. He was 92 years old.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, he initially taught history and English and coached track before becoming Assistant Principal at Westfield Sr. High School (New Jersey). He also served as principal at Teaneck High School (New Jersey) and Highland Park High School (New Jersey) and was Director of Secondary Education and Assistant Superintendent of Schools at North Penn School District (Pennsylvania). He retired in 1986.

He earned a BA from Montclair State Teachers College, an MA from New York University, and an Ed.D from Teachers’ College, Columbia University. Before he was a teacher, he earned tuition money as a piano player and as a tool and die maker. He was the first member of his family to graduate from high school.

During World War II he served in Military Intelligence with the 76th Infantry Division in Germany. He was honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant.

He met his wife, Winifred, who predeceased him, at Montclair State College. They were married for 62 years.

He was a lifelong music lover and a skilled pianist and a dedicated angler.

He leaves a brother, Herbert Michaels, a sister, Claire Greenberg, both of Florida, two sons, Arthur J Michaels formerly of Harrisburg, and David Seth Michaels, of Spencertown, New York, and five grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held on Sunday, February 19th, 2012 at 2 pm at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, Iselin, NJ. Rabbi Akiva Males will be officiating.

To share online condolences please visit www.hetrickbitner.com.

Althouhg this obituary conveys very little about him and who he was and the joy he brought to those who knew him, I am unable at the moment to tell more. This blog will now be on hiatus for a bit. Please join us when we return.