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Michael Lichtig Obituary
AGE: 71 • Shrewsbury
Michael Laurence Lichtig, ophthalmologist, died unexpectedly at home on June 9, 2012. He was born in Brooklyn on June 17, 1940 and moved to Rumson in 1945, He was a graduate of Blair Academy, Cornell University, and Cornell University School of Medicine. He trained at Genesee Hospital, Rochester and did his ophthalmology residency at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City. He served in the Air Force starting in 1970, was elevated to the rank of major and Chief of the Department of Ophthalmology Air Force Regional Hospital, Minot ND, but he never swayed from his very public opposition to the war, Spiro Agnew and Richard Nixon. In 1972, he opened his office for the practice of Ophthalmology in Long Branch and was later elected chairman of the department. He was of a mind that he didn't want to belong to a club that would have him as a member and was not inclined towards another term. He retired for 2 weeks in 2000 and then joined Dr. Donald MacDonald in Tinton Falls where he practiced until his death.
He was a dedicated family man, exposing his children to many cultures and ideas and his wit, honesty and kindness were legend. To his friends, he was known as a lover of all cuisines as well as having a scholarly appreciation of both art and music. He traveled the world with friends and family; most recently to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. He loved animals and had rescued 2 baby groundhogs from a certain demise only days before.
Dr. Lichtig, who lived in Shrewsbury, is survived by his wife of 33 years, Delores; four children and spouses, Dr. Wendy Lichtig and Wilko Eschebach of Tinton Falls, Emily and Dan Stewart of St. Augustine Florida, Kathryn D. Chayah Lichtig and Michael Crowley of Montpelier, Vermont, and Andrew Michael Lichtig and Dr. Shelley Roque-Lichtig of Orlando Florida. In addition, he is survived by 4 grandchildren: Leo Eschebach, Dylan and Lachlan Stewart, and Lila Crowley and two sisters, Deborah Lichtig of Shrewsbury and Ellen Lichtig of Fair Haven. He will also be missed by his four cats and two adoring canine companions Little Dog and Herschel Krustofsky.
Funeral Services will be private. The family will receive visitors at home on Tuesday, 5-7.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to: Right to Sight Ophthalmic Mission, 44 Elm Street, Millburn, NJ 07041.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Lichtig
Bert Ray
June 5, 2025
Thank you for so many happy memories. Miss Asbury Park concerts together. That was great rock'n'roll, and affordable. Would love to know what your next mission is, and will always have fond memories of a great doc and wonderful friend.
James m. Hensley, Msgt USAF (ret)
September 22, 2023
Shocked at finding Michael's Obit. while I was looking up Doctors that I had worked with during my 21 yr career in the USAF. I was the Doctor's clinical Technician and surgical assistant during the whole time he was stationed at Minot AFB, ND. I have only fond memories of that short time when our lives crossed.
Mike Burke
June 5, 2021
Wow, ten years! Time goes by and a lot of water goes under the bridge. Hope all family are well.
Don Achorn
June 8, 2013
Dear Dee, today I have just learned of Michel's passing. To say the least I'am in shock & saddened.I just saw him 3yrs. ago before my cataract surgery, & he & I remembered when we did the "barter system". He did the surgery on my daughter Rebecca & I groomed your dogs as payment. I'll never forget his compassion & sense of humor. Please accept my condolences & my best to you & family. God Bless
Christine Daniels
December 29, 2012
Best Doc I've ever worked for! He was la great man & he'll be missed!
susan rothkopf
December 28, 2012
i am so sorry to hear of your loss, i was a patient. a great loss indeed.
Franklin Rainear
July 21, 2012
Thank you for the most sincere honor for allowing us to provide special care for your loved one
Jack and MaryJane Reinhold
July 14, 2012
So sorry to hear of your loss. Micheal will be missed.
Eileen Koch Scalzo
July 3, 2012
July 3,2012
Dear Dede
I remember you and Michael working as a team in rm 6. I remember you motoring to Horseshoe Cove to visit me on the sail boat, and your son leaving on the water in the head almost emptying the water tank.
Remember the good times. When someone you LOVE becomes a memory, the memory becomes a TREASURE. In our hearts forever.
Grace Graupe-Pillard
June 29, 2012
I was a former patient of Dr. Lichtig and I was saddened to hear the news of his death. He was a generous person who went out of his way to keep the office open when I had to see someone about a retinal tear. i will always remember his kindness. My condolences to his family.
Sue Allison
June 23, 2012
Oh, Dede! So very sorry for your terrible loss! How fortunate you were to have had each other all this time!And the legacy of the memories . . .
With love and all good wishes for you and your family,
June 20, 2012
Stunned and greatly saddened, I offer my most sincere condolences.
Jim Del Cioppo
jeffrey felzenberg
June 17, 2012
To the Lichtig Family -
Theresa and I just arrived back in N.J. and mom told me that Michael had passed away. We are shocked. Michael was a true doctor's doctor, a trusted friend and taught me so much over the years that I had the pleasure to know him. He was always there for his patients and every patient that I referred to him over the years loved him as much as we do. You can be very proud of his legacy and I thank you for sharing him with us all for so many years. He will be missed greatly. With love, Jeff and Theresa Felzenberg
david averbach
June 17, 2012
Dear Dee Dee,
Maida and I were in Israel when Mike died. We were shocked to learn of his demise. You and your family have our most sincere condolences.
David and Maida
Rachel Zebo
June 16, 2012
Sending you all lots of love. I was so shocked to hear the news. Wishing you strength to get through this time. My heart goes out to you.
Glenn Smith
June 15, 2012
To the Lichtig family....You don't know me, but I went to school with Michael for those years at Blair Academy. He was well-liked by the entire school community and lived as a kid much the way you described his later life--to the fullest extent. I didn't speak with him after we left Blair, but I still remember him and remember liking him. Please accept my condolences on your loss.
Glenn Smith, Class of '58
Norman Beatty, Class of '58
June 15, 2012
On behalf of Mike's Blair Academy Classmates please except our deepest sympathy and prayers for understanding and grace during these difficult days. A stalwart friend to all of us, he will never be forgotten.
Joan Low Hammond
June 15, 2012
Ellen and Debbie.....I am so sorry to hear of Michael's death. He was the big brother I hardly knew when we were growing up, despite all the time I spent at your house. My thoughts are with you and with Michael's family.
Meredith Moraine
June 14, 2012
Deborah and Ellen, I'm so very sorry to learn of this sudden and great loss. Michael sounds like a wonderful person. I'm sending metta to you and your family tonight. Love, Meredith
Carol Merchasin
June 14, 2012
Deb: we send our condolences to you and Ellen on the loss of your brother.
Rachel Lichtig Eio
June 14, 2012
Remembering fun cousins weekends in the Berkshires and at Michael's house down the shore...thinking of you. So sorry for your loss.
Rachel Lichtig Eio (Sharon, MA)
Frederick Hartman
June 14, 2012
So sorry to hear of the passing of an old friend . . . our thoughts and prayers are with you. Fred and Imelda Hartman
Rebecca Bazell
June 14, 2012
He was such a cool guy.
Not. Fair.
I hope all the Lichtigs are taking care of each other during this sad time.
Much Love,
Becca
Maureen Eisner
June 14, 2012
Dear Deb and Ellen, My deepest sympathy for the loss of your brother. My thoughts are with you and your family. Love, Maureen
June 14, 2012
Dear Ellen, Debbie, and the entire Lichtig Family,
My deepest sympathies for your loss. Michael was always kind to me, like all of your family. Michael's words at my young age were most helpful and inspirational. Micheal would put his book down and talk with me, see how I was doing, and what he could help me with. I will never forget his passion,nor his spirit. If there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Douglas Popok
Debbie Pleasic
June 13, 2012
So very sorry to hear this news. Leo is one of my students in school. Our condolences to the entire family.
Debbie and Tom Pleasic
June 13, 2012
To the Lichtigs; all our sympathies and prayers for you. So very sorry for your loss. Michael, Sally, Shannon, and Kelly
Michael Lichtig and Lila Crowley 5/4/12
June 13, 2012
pat burke
June 13, 2012
To Dede and the kids. Just received word. So sorry to hear. Pat, Jody and Jaime Burke send our prayers
Ron Raven
June 13, 2012
Dear Mrs. Lichtig. My sympathy to all of you. I worked on many occasions for Michael on his hot tub which he loved. I remember once I had gotten something in my eye while working at the house and he made me come in to administer help to me. It has been 30 years since then. I will never forget his Kindness to me.
June 12, 2012
To the Lichtig Family. My deepest sympathy to all of you. He has been my doctor for over 40 years. He was the best. I'm truly going to miss him. Arlene Difedele
Christine Ransom
June 12, 2012
The best Doc I ever worked with & for--RIP Doc!
Christine Ransom-Daniels (Eatontown, NJ)
June 12, 2012
Dear Debbie, Ellen and family, I am deeply, deeply sorry at the loss of your brother. I know how much he was adored. He is an amazing man to alot of people. My love and prayers are with you, Penny Lape- Red Bank,N. J.
Mary Degli Esposti
June 11, 2012
Michael was a man of intriguing alternate perspectives; no facets were left unexplored as his mental & verbal gymnastics let the swirl of uniformity pass him right by. He was fascinatingly brilliant & deliciously unpredictable. Michael had a keen sensitivity & vulnerability that always allowed his essential goodness to shine through.
I was young & stubborn when I began working for Michael & he kindly tolerated my intolerance. He was able to deftly correct my ignorance while still preserving my dignity. That sort of gracious & intelligent patience is in very short supply in this world.
I am profoundly sorry for your loss.
With great affection,
June 11, 2012
June 11,2012
Dear Family,
I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Lichtig's sudden passing. He has been my Opthamologist for 40 years.
In addition to being professional, caring, and patient, he had a great sense of humor and love of life and family.When my father died in 2010 (also his patient),
he wrote a beautiful sympathy note which was indicative of his compassion. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy.
Donna L. Palumbo
Linda Scalco
June 11, 2012
Dear Dede and family,
Michael was the brother I never had. His incredible spirit, his intelligence, and his passion of life. You all embraced me as part of your family and I am deeply sorrowed that we lost him so soon. My sincere condolences. No words could ever describe how sad I am and how I feel for you and the entire Lichtig family.
With much Love,
Linda
Kim Christman
June 11, 2012
Dear Dede and your family,
I am so sorry to hear about Michael. You know how much I loved being with you both~ it was always a bright spot in my day. I smile when I think of Michael's sense of humor and "impish" personality ~ he was such a fun person to be around. I will keep you all in my prayers. Rest in peace Michael.
Laura Goodman Weinstein
June 11, 2012
Debbie & Ellen,
My thoughts are you and your whole family.
Laura Goodman Weinstein
Heidi O'Neill
June 11, 2012
Dr Lichtig was my eye doctor for years and am truly shocked and saddened by hearing this news just now. He was a very caring, patient man and I'm am so sorry for your loss and all of his patients loss. May he rest in peace.
June 11, 2012
Dear Wendy, Dede and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept our condolences, you are in our thoughts and in our hearts.
Love, Lindsay, Caylan, Lisa and the girls at Feline Medical.
Bert Ray
June 11, 2012
Dear Family,
I was a close friend of Michael's throughout my training at Monmouth Medical Center '70-73, and after my move to Florida, following the Air Force. Michael was a wonderful spirit. He loved people and having fun. We went to many concerts together and shared many, many days of fun together. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. This world was blessed to have such a loving spirit with us during his lifetime, and I am sure he passed on this love of life to his family, as he did to his friends. It's been a long time since I have seen Michael, but the love has always been there. Bless you, Michael. Your spirit will carry on.
June 11, 2012
Dede,ellen,Deb,emily,wendy and all the lichtig family I am sorry to hear of Michaels passing. Julie ONeal
Anna Gillard
June 11, 2012
Dede - I'm so sorry to hear. I'll stop by and se you tomorrow. My prayers are with you as you go through this. I'll never forget how kind and gentle he was with grandma. Anna
Anita August
June 11, 2012
To all, What a tragic loss. We are so sorry to hear of this Michael had such presence and strength that it is impossible to imagine this.Love to you, Anita and David August (Bill's sister)
Jon Uram
June 11, 2012
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
June 11, 2012
Dede, I opened the Press this morning and received the second shock of my life. I can't believe that I just saw you at Ed's viewing. My heart goes out to you and your family. Your husband was a great friend and excellent Doctor. Love, Joan Hussey
Marianne Ryser Gillette
June 11, 2012
Dear Ellen,
I'm so sorry to hear of your brother's passing.
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