Michael McLean Lombardo

1946 - 2024

Michael McLean Lombardo

October 18, 1946 - October 9, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of beloved husband, father, and friend, Michael McLean Lombardo. He passed away suddenly on October 9, 2024. He was wickedly funny, brilliant, creative, a consummate family man, and has left a permanent mark on all who knew him.

Michael is survived by his loving family: his wife of 41 years Ginny; children Brent (wife Cindy), Bobby (wife Brittannie) and Maddie (husband Tyler); grandson Brandon; sister- and brother-in-law Garet and Jeff Sprier; and many beloved cousins and family friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Cleo Lombardo and his first wife, Susan Singer.

Michael was born in Greensboro, NC. He had a happy childhood, growing up in the Kirkwood neighborhood amongst a close-knit community. He graduated from Page High School and went on to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts. He later attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for his Doctorate of Educational Psychology.

Michael worked at Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) from 1975 to 1990, initially as a Research Scientist and later as the Director of Leadership Development Research. He published numerous research papers and books, including the "Lessons of Experience," a foundational study in the field of leadership development.

While working at CCL, Michael collaborated on a project at New York University where Ginny was a graduate student of Organizational Behavior. They met, fell in love, and were married in 1983. The two settled down in Greensboro, NC, where they raised their three children: Brent, Bobby, and Maddie.

In 1991, Michael co-founded Lominger Limited, Inc. alongside his friend and business partner, Robert W. Eighinger. With Bob, Michael published the Leadership Architect® Suite and authored more than 40 products, including FYI For Your Improvement, one of the most popular leadership development resources worldwide. Collectively, their tools and frameworks became industry standards for many organizations around the world. Michael won four national awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Talent Development (ATD).

Michael measured his true success, however, in the love he poured into his family and the life they shared. His family was his first priority, always. Despite his demanding career, Michael never missed an anniversary, a sporting event, or a birthday. Known for his kindness, zany humor, and humble wisdom, he had a fun-loving spirit that endeared him to all who knew him. He was a role model to all.

After he retired, Michael spent his time doing the things he loved the most: traveling with his wife, spending time with his children and their spouses, playing weekly card games with friends, and enjoying his time outside playing golf and gardening. An educator at heart, even in retirement, he frequently served as a mentor and trusted advisor to many.

Michael's goal in life was to leave the world a little better than how he found it. He had an unyielding belief in the power of learning and pushing the boundaries of human potential. Always quick with a joke or words of advice, he made people feel seen, heard, and truly understood. Michael believing in you made it impossible not to believe in yourself. He will be missed and forever remembered.

We will be hosting a Celebration of Life in his honor on November 16th, 1 to 5 p.m. at the Cardinal Country Club (5700 Cardinal Way, Greensboro, NC, 27410).