Michael Mendelson

Michael Bernard Mendelson - Mike - lived large and did nothing by halves.  Though complicated and the first to admit he wasn’t perfect (who is?), he had the biggest heart, the most generous spirit and an energy for living many of us can only dream of.  He was a true fighter, whether protesting against the Vietnam War at the University of Wisconsin, arguing for his clients as an attorney; or, later in life, conjuring his body to do things most people thought it was no longer capable of.  His ability to express affection, emotions and love was paramount.  

 

Michael was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Pearl and Julius Mendelson in 1945.  He was the older brother to Nancy and Stephen Mendelson.  In the 1960’s he decided to leave the Midwest for New York City, living with his beloved Aunt Goldie for a time.  He taught in public schools in the Bronx and then went on to study law at NYU.  He worked at The Legal Aid Society before starting his own practice.  During this period he really shone in court, mounting five wins in a row as defense attorney in felony trials under the now repealed Rockefeller drug laws.  And then, without looking back, he left Greenwich Village with his family for New York's Catskill Mountains, moving to a spot on Ridge Road he called "paradise".  He loved the view of the sunset over the mountains reflecting onto the pond.  He took piano lessons and taught himself how to garden, becoming an expert in no time, growing the most amazing vegetables and flowers – even artichokes.

 

Michael was athletic, adventurous and full of grit.  He ran marathons in Paris, Boston and NYC, where he placed in the top ten percent overall with a best time of 3:03:31.  He played tennis every chance he got.  He also loved the ocean, escaping there when he could to swim, snorkel and scuba dive.  There was no activity or adventure he would turn down.  He did not let the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease in 1996, at age 50, define or rule him.  He continued to run, play tennis and work at his Family Law practice up until his body told him “no more”.  When he could no longer walk, he biked.  When he could no longer stand on his own, he still managed to dig holes in the earth to grow his beautiful lettuces.

 

Michael loved music – listening and dancing.  In his last several days we played as many of his favorites as we could remember; it was an amazing playlist.

 

He was all energy with big doses of joy fed in large part by his love for his son, Claude; his daughter, Jesse; and his granddaughters, Madeleine and Vera. Also mourning his loss are his former wife, Jehed Diamond; his sister, Nancy Mendelson; Jesse’s husband, David Defendini; Claude’s partner, Jaclyn Grodin; and extended family and friends from throughout the years.

 

Shiva was suspended due to COVID.  The family is planning a memorial (TBD, Spring 2022) to celebrate Michael's life.