Search by Name

Search by Name

MICHAEL MINDELL Obituary

MICHAEL LEON MINDELL - LAKE WORTH, Fla./SHELBURNE - Michael Leon Mindell, 39, died as a result of a cliff jumping accident last Saturday, July 27, 2013, on Lake Champlain near the Palisades. Michael was born in Burlington on Sept. 12, 1973, to the late Dr. Howard Mindell and Maureen Mindell. He grew up in Shelburne and attended both Shelburne Village and Middle Schools. Michael graduated from the Hyde School in Bath, Maine, where he was a standout wrestler and lacrosse player and won the Golden Shovel Award for excellence in personal growth. He attended the University of Montana and graduated from the University of Vermont with a bachelor of arts in history and a minor in Spanish. Michael was a natural born athlete with a boundless love for the outdoors. He was an adventure-seeker who was passionate about hiking, fishing, mountain biking, camping, basketball, tennis, and snowboarding. An avid runner, he ran the Denver Marathon in May 2012. He loved music, and was forever picking up instruments and listening to records. Michael was also a talented glass blower, and attended Pilchuck Glass School outside of Seattle, Wash. Michael was deeply committed to his recovery from the disease of addiction and would have celebrated five years of sobriety this September. At the time of his death he was employed as a technician at New Directions in Boynton Beach, Fla., a rehabilitation facility that treats dually diagnosed addicts. He is survived by his beloved 14-year-old son, Lucas; his mother, Maureen; his sister, Ann Mindell and brother-in-law, Sean Toohey, all of Shelburne; his brother, Paul Mindell and sister-in-law, Malina Mindell of Pasadena, Calif.; and nephew and nieces, Boaz, Ariel and Ayla; as well as many cousins and friends. He was a joyful spirit with an infectiously bright smile and will be greatly missed by all. Services will be held Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Temple Sinai, 500 Swift St., South Burlington, with interment to follow in Lakeview Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boucher and Pritchard Funeral Directors. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Kids on the Ball, c/o The King Street Center, P.O. Box 1615, Burlington, VT 05402 or online at www.kingstreetcenter.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Burlington Free Press on Jul. 31, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL MINDELL

Not sure what to say?





Csilla Patrin

July 25, 2021

Remembering young Michael as he came over to play with my 2 young sons is always heartwarming. May his memory warm your heart Maureen.
My prayers continue to be with you Maureen.
Csilla

Mark Hunter

December 28, 2013

I was shocked to hear of the tragic news. My hope and hugs go out to the Mindell family.

Betsy Sussman

September 24, 2013

Maureen, Ann, and Paul,

Larry and I were so sad to hear about Michael's tragic death. Howard loved talking about all of his children. At work, it felt like we knew them through his tales. You are all in our prayers.
With much sympathy, Betsy and Larry Bennett

Stephen & Carmen Geis

August 9, 2013

We were extremely sad to learn of Michael's untimely passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve and Carmen Geis.

Tatiana Schishkin

August 9, 2013

I am deeply sorry for the loss of Michael. Wish you all the comfort, strenght and peace to overcome this tragedy. My thoughts and heart are with Lucas, Eugenia and the family. My deepest sympathy to you at this time of sorrow, please accept my condolences.

Bill and Elena Ottaway

August 8, 2013

We were very sorry to hear the tragic news, our hearts and prayers are with the family, especially Lucas and Eugenia

August 7, 2013

Maureen I was shocked to hear of Michael's tragic accident.My thoughts are with you! Connie Holland

Csilla Patrin

August 3, 2013

Maureen,
The last time I saw Michael was perhaps when he was 5 years old, and I still remember his easy smile and adorable personality. This is an unspeakably tragic time. My deepest condolences on your profound loss.

Carol (Chioffii) Smith

August 3, 2013

My deepest sympathies to the Mindell family...there is very little anyone can say with a loss so tragic. I am keeping my memories close...of two young kids (Mike and Ben) zipping around on the lake in a Zodiac...Thompson's Point summers...there was always silliness and laughter! It is a happy way to remember Mike. Peace and prayers.

Cinda Mitchell

August 2, 2013

My memories of you, Michael, when you visited me in Federal Way, so long ago. You were such a bright light, and, I am proud to have been a part of your family...May God bless and keep you in peace.

Marcia Rosman

August 1, 2013

Maureen, it's hard to express the sadness we are all feeling about Michael's passing and for you and the family. My deepest prayers are with you.

Sally Herschorn

August 1, 2013

Maureen, Paul and Ann,
We are so sorry for your tragic loss. I didn't know Michael very well but I had the privilege of working with Howard for many years and miss him on a daily basis.
May you take comfort in your memories.
Sincerely,
Sally Herschorn and Ed Wolfstein

Vicki B

August 1, 2013

I am so sorry to hear about losing Mike Mike. I enjoyed knowing him in Denver and hearing about his newest adventures. He was a good person who deserved a much longer life. I'll always remember him as a happy, kind, and funny guy. I hope to see you on the other side, Mike Mike!

Renn Hawkey

August 1, 2013

I am flattened by the news of Mike's passing. He was such a kind and gentle person with an infectious laugh who helped me through some really hard times with his humor, levity and shining spirit. Mike, you will be missed, but your imprint on us all will remain. Thank you for always raising my spirits. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Jill Siegfried

August 1, 2013

I am so sorry for this terrible loss. I remember Michael very fondly from my visits to Burlington. I wish I could have reconnected with the Mindell family under happier circumstances.
Love, Jill Siegfried

Sue Roupp

August 1, 2013

I am deeply sorry to hear of your son's inexplicable death. There is nothing more deeply painful than the loss of a child. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the tear in your heart.

Katy White (Johnson)

August 1, 2013

Dear Mindell Family,

I am utterly and totally saddened by Mike's unexpected passing - it is completely too soon and defies his lively and joyous spirit. I am heartbroken. Mike was a very good friend of mine and of so many of my friends - he is in so many memories, most of them involving laughing at something. In fact, if you asked his friends how they remember him, they would say smiling or laughing - he almost always was and you couldn't help but laugh and smile too. I am so sorry for your loss and wish it were not so. My prayers, love and deepest sympathy to you.

Lisa Turley

August 1, 2013

I know his love and light will remain to those who love him and have been loved by him.

Stephanie Nathanson

July 31, 2013

I am so saddened to hear about the loss of Mike. I attended Hyde with him and he was such a fun and free spirit. While I haven't seen him since high school, I have never forgotten him. He was such a good athlete which I admired and he always made everyone laugh. My thoughts are with his son and his entire family at this difficult time.

Gretchen Duell

July 31, 2013

Words seem so inadequate, but know that our thoughts are with you, and we send you our deepest sympathy.
Gretchen Duell and Family

Jenn Klotz

July 31, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Mike had a huge heart and will be deeply missed.

Robyn, Jarred, Hudson, Peyton, Madison and Mason Katz

July 31, 2013

We are so sorry for the untimely and tragic death of Michael. We wish you all strength during this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Brian Basso

July 31, 2013

I am so saddened by the loss of Mike. I have never known anyone quite like him, Mike had a passion , spirit and great humor in everything he did. I know he was the best dad a kid could ever have, my thoughts and prayers are with you Lucas and the entire Mindell family.

Deb Sawyer Jorschick

July 31, 2013

Ann, I so sorry to hear about Michael. A hugh loss for you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hochelaga will bind us forever.

Dori and Al Rissin

July 31, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Monique Terner

July 31, 2013

It has been so long since I last saw Michael, but I vividly remember his smile and great spirit! To Paul, Ann, Maureen and Michael's family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.

July 31, 2013

Maureen, Ann and Paul...My sincere sympathy to you. I remember Michael with his infectious smile lighting up his Village School first grade classroom.
Jane Perry, Bluffton, SC North Hero, VT

Marilyn Massa

July 31, 2013

Maureen, I couldn't be sadder for your loss. A large piece of you was taken away and there are no words to make it better at this time. You are truly in my thoughts.

Marilyn Massa

Lee Rissin

July 31, 2013

What an amazing gift it was just to know you so well and to have enjoyed sharing some of the very best of times as true friends.I Miss you & Love You as my brother. You are forever to be My Guardian Angel
See you on the other side
Rest In Peace Handsome
We Love You Lucas
Lee H. Rissin & son Matthew

Sara Gray

July 31, 2013

Please know that Love and Prayers are flying east to all of you.

July 31, 2013

Lucas,
So sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great guy. We will always be here for you.
Love, Sophia, Erin, Sharon and Willie Monette-Owens

Jason Colson

July 31, 2013

They broke the mould after creating you Mike, you will be greatly missed by all of your "litter mates". Your intensity for life is unsurpassed in my book!

Annabelle Rodet

July 31, 2013

My thoughts and prayers go to his family in this difficult time. I went to middle school with him in Shelburne and am saddened by this tragedy

Margarette Karson

July 31, 2013

Maureen, Paul and Anne, George and I are so saddened by the news of Michael's death. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Margarette & George Karson

July 31, 2013

Our family is deeply saddened by this news. Maureen, Ann and Paul you are in our thoughts.
Much Love, The Karson and Mills Families

July 31, 2013

my deepest condolences to you and family.

July 31, 2013

It was with sad news to hear of your loss, and hurts the heart. I have no doubt that his Uncle Michael and his Dad received Michael with open arms as he arrived to his Father in Heaven. With our prayers.

Clint & Cathy Majors
Hamilton, Montana

Elise Seraus

July 31, 2013

Maureen, Ann, and Paul; I am so very sad for you all... what a tragic loss.

July 31, 2013

We are so sorry for your loss and all of our prayers are with you - The B'nai Simcha Preschool community

July 31, 2013

Dear Maureen. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Michael as a spirited child in my religious school class. Helaine Graman Unger

Rich Feeley

July 31, 2013

I never met Michael, but am also a "Friend of Bill's", on the same journey in recovery.
My condolences to his family and friends. RIP, Michael.

July 31, 2013

Paul, so, so sorry to know of of your tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family at this sad time. Sandi and Gordon Clisham

July 31, 2013

Maureen, Paul and Ann,
So very sorry to hear of Michael's death. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Faith Wuenschel

Showing 1 - 43 of 43 results

Make a Donation
in MICHAEL MINDELL's name

Memorial Events
for MICHAEL MINDELL

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support MICHAEL's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor MICHAEL MINDELL's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more