MICHAEL MERENDA Obituary

MERENDA--Michael J., died at the age of 75 on Friday, July 17, 2020, of the effects of primary myelofibrosis complicated by dementia. He was a first generation Italian-American, with both of his parents having been from Calabria. He was born and raised in Westchester County, NY, and he graduated from Rye High School in 1963 as the President of his high school class. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth College in 1967, where he was President of his fraternity, Foley House, in his senior year. Foley house had been Greek, but under Mike's leadership, the Dartmouth chapter admitted an African American student as a member, and Foley House was promptly dropped from the national fraternity because of this. Mike interrupted his studies at Harvard Law School to work in the Peace Corps in the Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire) in West Africa, later returning to Harvard to graduate from the Law School in 1972. He did corporate law at Hale Russell in New York and also in Sweden, later working at Breed Abbott. In 1993 he was a consultant at Capital Blue Cross in Harrisburg, PA, and he later became a leading part of the management team there, retiring in 2013. Mike was an avid piano player, having studied at Dartmouth with Lydia Hoffman- Behrendt, who was a protegee of Paul Hindemith. His pleasures in life included reading science fiction, playing squash, traveling (particularly in France and Italy), concerts, opera, ballet (especially Balanchine's Vienna Waltzes) and fine dining. He was predeceased by his brothers Gilbert (Jim) and John Merenda. He is survived by his spouse Dr. Leroy Sharer, his sisters-in-law Jacqueline and Mary (Tootsie), his nephews Christopher and Matthew Merenda, and his niece Kathryn (Kate) Hohl. Contributions in Mike's memory may be made to The New York City Ballet. Funeral services will be held at a later date at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, 145 West 46th Street, New York, NY.

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Published by New York Times on Jul. 20, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL MERENDA

12 Entries

Dom Petito

January 24, 2023

Unfortunately I just learned today of Mike´s passing. I met him when I was a first year lawyer at Hale Russell. He was a mentor to me and took me under his wing early on. He was always a pleasure to work with, never lost his cool and became a great friend. After I left the firm, we didn´t see each other that often but still managed to stay in touch and grab an occasional lunch. I regret that didn´t see him over the last few years and we lost contact. I will always remember Mike. He was a sweetheart. A gentle, very intelligent and gem of a person. We have lost an angel. My condolences to his loved ones, friends and family. Please rest in peace Mike. I will never forget you.

Clifford Groen

November 6, 2020

Michael (Mike) is gone too soon. I knew him at Dartmouth. He was in the Class of 1967. I am in the Class of 1968. I remember him. He was devoted to his studies. He was sensitive to others. After Dartmouth, he went to Harvard Law School in the Class of 1971. I am in that Class too. My wife is also in that Class. I am shocked by his death with bone marrow cancer and dementia. My condolence to Dr. Leroy Sharer.

Cliff

Carole (Lathrop) Rau

October 8, 2020

I was so very saddened to hear of Michael's passing... I went to Purchase School (grammar) with him. My fondest memory of Michael was the day our Science class mice got out of their cages and got lost in the cafeteria! Michael and I were summoned to "retrieve" them as the lunch lady was horrified to say the least! He was one of my first true friends, gentle, caring, understanding, he was just awesome. My condolences to you Leroy, may Michael rest in peace.

Laurel Clark

October 5, 2020

Michael was a dear friend throughout Rye High School and thereafter. He was so talented and incredibly smart, funny, and gentle. We loved Al Jolson!!! The photo is how I will remember him! We lost touch after some years, but occasionally communicated by email. My heart goes out to Leroy and Michael's family. We have lost a true treasure...

Laurel Clark

October 5, 2020

Nancy Donahue

October 4, 2020

Mike was a wonderful friend not only to me but to the entire class of 1963. I cherish all the wonderful memories I have and the fun times we had. My sincere sympathy to his family and may all your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time. Nancy DeGroot Donahue

Denise Fessler

July 31, 2020

I was privileged to have had the opportunity to know and work for Mike. His compassion for others, high ethical standards and hard work we’re always highly sought after and regarded. I had the opportunity to travel with him on business and visit Dartmouth College. We visited his fraternity. He shared the story about his decision to support admitting the first African American to the fraternity and the national organization’s response—I believe there was a plaque that commemorated the incident and his leadership. We visited a favorite library where he enjoyed studying. He was giddy walking along the campus that cold night. He thanked me for indulging him as he reminisced. He said that it would likely be his last visit to Dartmouth. So generous to have shared his memories with me. Thank you for everything Mike.

May he Rest In Peace. My condolences to his family and many friends.

Denise Fessler

steven kravitz

July 25, 2020

I am so saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend Michael Merenda. I extend my deepest condolences to Leroy. Mike was my best friend when we started Harvard Law School together in 1967. He was such a sweet soul and we had so much fun navigating the Harvard experience, I remember meeting his parents and his large Italian family. Our first year in Law School we lived across the hall from each other--he was my first friend there. In our second year I stayed in the dorm but he became the janitor of an apartment building across the street and he had a funky apt. in the basement. I met my wife of 50 years that year and he was always having us over. Then he took his third year off and went to the Ivory Coast for the Peace Corp but promised me he would return to Law School to graduate which he did. We saw each other over the years (usually at a Broadway Show) but I lived in Miami right out of school and he stayed up North so we lost touch. Every couple of years I would catch up with him by calling him on his birthday in April and each times the years melted away. He really cared about Wendy and me and we cared about
him. I can still hear his laugh. Leroy I am sorry we never met but you were lucky to have Mike in your life. May he rest in peace and may his memory be for a blessing.

Christine

July 22, 2020

I would like to send condolences to Leroy and to Mike’s family. Mike and I were friends in the Peace Corps in West Africa. My husband and I live near Boston and when we got to NY we often saw Michael in the first few years we were all home. We hadn’t kept in touch recently, and I’m saddened by his death, and by all the things I didn’t know about him. He certainly had a full life, and for that I am glad.

Simone Taylor

July 21, 2020

No one can prepare you for a loss; it comes like a swift wind. However, take comfort in knowing God is with you and your family lean on him in your time of need. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences.

Rodger Field

July 20, 2020

My wife, Norma, and I were saddened to learn of Mike's passing. We extend our condolences to Leroy and the rest of Mike's family.

I met Mike right after law school at Hale Russell in the mid-1970s. I, like many others, was drawn to him immediately - funny, warm, generous and, in truth, a bit of a man of mystery. We were new to New York City, and Mike was our guide. He was a man of many passions which he revealed not all at once, but layer by layer. He was endlessly interesting and interested. We feel grateful to have known Mike and will be thinking of him and his family. May the many wonderful memories of him give solace to his family.

Marilyn Mackavage

July 20, 2020

I am so sadden to hear of the passing of Mike Merenda - what a brilliant, incredible, and humble man!

The world was blessed and that much better to have had Mike in it. Likewise, at Capital BlueCross - Mikes unmatched level of compassion and incredible kindness was amazing - not only to to me - but Im sure to all who knew and worked for him.

May your beautiful soul Rest In Peace! ♥

God bless Leroy and your family with strength!

With Deepest Heartfelt Sympathy!
God love you,
Marilyn Mackavage

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