Michael Jonathan Grinfeld

Birth date: Nov 15, 1950 Death date: Jul 5, 2021

Michael Jonathan Grinfeld, age 70, was born in Munich, Germany, arriving at Ellis Island at 11 months old. His childhood was spent in Connecticut. He graduated from Boston University and earned his JD degree from New England Schoo Read Obituary

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Jackie

221w ago

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. There are no words.

I worked with Michael as journalism professors at Mizzou. He was a delightful friend and colleague, and I've missed seeming him here at the J-School. We never talked about journalism. Instead we talked about art photography and our children. He used to bring me trinkets, old jewelry and once a child's lock box - all for my young daughter. He loved to hold her when she was a baby.

I've missed Michael - and I'm sorry to hear of his passing. With fondest memories, Jackie Bell

Shiva Bohn

221w ago

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of dear Michael.

I first met Michael when I was a young teen and he left an impression on me that went on to leave a mark on me forever. It’s quite often that I think of one of the many life lessons that he taught me.

Michael, taught me how to be inquisitive. He was genuinely an inquisitive person. He questioned so many things. I remember when I was in high school, he wrote a letter asking Dannon yogurt corporation why they had changed their yogurt ingredients and not changed packaging or noted “new recipe” on the label for the consumer to be made aware of this change. This memory of wanting to be an informed consumer has literally stuck me since and I appreciate this life lesson so much, especially now that I am a parent.

He taught me a few quotes that I have repeated constantly since I heard him say them. As a matter of fact, there are only 2 people whose quotes I re quote often. Maya Angelou and Michael Grinfeld; both of these lovely souls have passed, but, their legacy lives on in what they taught and contributed to the world. My favorite Michael quote was “ the world is a beautiful place and all you have to do is show up.” He said this quote to me in describing how beautiful South Africa was. I went to visit South Africa and much of the world and I could always hear him saying “the world is a beautiful place and all you have to do is show up.” This mantra lives on in my life and I cherish it. It’s one of my favorite quotes of all time!

Michael was so much fun to debate with and have open discussions with. I enjoyed watching him as a professor of journalism interact with his students when one year the family invited me to Thanksgiving dinner and some of his students were there. What a memorable Thanksgiving dinner!

I remember speaking with Michael about his interest of photography when his kids were young, good and evil in the world, religion, travel, life in middle America, education, politics, culture and so much more.

Although, it has been over 9 years since Michael said to me “the world is a beautiful place and all have to do is show up,” I still think of this quote almost on a daily basis.

Michael, thanks for being the cool dad of a friend who took the time get to know me. To care. To chat. To invite and to include and to be kind. Rest In Peace my friend.

With love,

Shiva Bohn

Traci Angel

221w ago

Karen, Julie, Lisa and family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Michael was a professor, mentor and friend to me. He always had time for a question and pep talk when I was a graduate student. Later on he inquired about the important things - how my kids were doing, how I was doing. He always had something kind and witty to say when I reached out with a question. So glad to have had the opportunity to hear his stories and opinions about the world. He will definitely be missed.

I hope your memories bring you much peace and comfort.

Sincerely,

Traci Angel
Kansas City, Mo.

Donald Jakoboski

221w ago

This is heartbreaking news for me to hear. Michael was one of my oldest friends. I first met Michael when he moved to our town in Lebanon Connecticut and joined our class in the third grade in 1958. We formed a bond back then that stayed with us. The last time I spoke with Michael was the summer of 2018 when we were wondering if he would make the trip to our 50th class reunion. He decided against it and besides it was my turn to visit him. Both of us were quite pleased with the phone call ( that went on for over two hours) because even as the years went by we could so easily instantly pick up on the connection we had between us. Before that call ended I agreed to report back to him on how the reunion went and to make a plan to visit him in Tuscon. I kept thinking of when I would do that in the future and now it's too late for that kind of a visit and I will be visiting him in my prayers.
I still have that good feeling that I felt in the bond with Michael even though it is mixed now with regret at not having made that last visit and the sadness of his passing.
Michael was a wonderful and special person and my empathy and prayers go out to his family and friends.

I will always remember you and the bond we shared my friend.

Donald Jakoboski

Julie Post

221w ago

Dad loved the Arizona sunset reflecting off the mountains.

Julie Post

221w ago

Some of my favorite pics of dad.

Shiva Bohn

221w ago

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of dear Michael.

Although, it has been over 9 years since Michael said to me “the world is a beautiful place and all have to do is show up,” I still think of this quote almost on a daily basis.

Michael, thanks for being the cool dad of a friend who took the time get to know me. To care. To chat. To invite and to include and to be kind. Rest In Peace my friend.

With love,

Shiva Bohn

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