JOSEF MITTLEMANN

We were Brown Alumni, though graduating in different years. We met in Paris at an estate planning seminar where I was the presenter, and became friends. I admire Joe for his strong family sense and for his apparently unlimited horizons.

Guess what - I found the little index card one of my classmates created to capture the key concepts from your class. So many of them still ring true - even more so now that I've had a little bit of life experience ;) Thinking about you today is moving me to tears. You sparked in me so many profound and meaningful ideas that continue to be the foundation of my work in this world. You shared with me tools, perspectives, and stories to help weave things together. Most of all, you believed...

I remember that for our final projects, you encouraged us to present our key learnings from your class in any format we wanted. I delivered mine through one of my favorite card magic effects. Three weeks ago, I gave my final presentation at graduate school again using that same effect but with a slightly different message: have the courage to go against the grain and listen to your own inner voice. I thought of you. Today is the due date of our baby girl. We can't wait to meet her. You...

"We see things as we are, not as they are." Another gem from you (attributed to Leo Rosten) - thank you. This one continues to grow on me.

In class, I remember you would walk around the room half-singing-half-speaking the lyrics to Frank Sinatra's "My Way". You would LIGHT UP. I still think about you and the life lessons you shared with us. About doing good work AND doing well in the world. Thank you. I'll always remember you fondly. I like to think I carry some of your wisdom, love, and spirit with me now.

Marsy, Juliet, Justin. We had no idea this happened. Just now learning of this. So very sorry. We send each of you our love.

prfm: I am so grateful that we crossed paths. You deeply inspired me during my years at Brown and contributed significantly to who I am today. We will keep you in our memories and hearts forever. Thank you so much for everything.

What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. I feel so lucky that I got to know him. I met Josef when I started working at Silver Towers he is truly a wonderful person. When my grandmother passed away he gave me the most beautiful flowers in her memory.He will forever be in my heart.

I'm glad Prof. Mittlemann got to meet my wife and we got to reconnect over dinner this summer after 7 years post graduation. I always quoted him to my wife (even to this day) and he was even surprised how I remembered all the details of his class after many years. He was just that kind of person--a friend, a mentor, and a selfless human being that will be missed greatly.