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JOSEF MITTLEMANN
JOSEF MITTLEMANN
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JOSEF MITTLEMANN Obituary
We celebrate the life of Josef Mittlemann who passed suddenly on November 29, 2017. He was surrounded by his family and is survived by Marsy Mittlemann, his sister Beth, and his two children, Justin and Juliet. His life's work was fueled by his continued desire and drive to provide for his family and his loved ones. He defined a life of completion and success, wherein he created a vibrant and unique impression that decorated the lives of the ones he so loved. The influence Josef had on his family and his student community cannot be simply worded as there will always be an incalculable love we feel for him. There are no worldly boundaries that could be the parameters to describe Josef as a husband, father and teacher. Josef was a graduate of Brown University with a Master's Degree in Education from Harvard University. He followed his passion as an educator, teacher and mentor. He was an adored and revered professor at Brown University for many years and was acknowledged with two prestigious awards: the Inaugural Engineering Impact Award and the Undergraduate Student Council Teaching Excellence Award. All the while Josef cultivated a tremendously successful career as the Founder of Empire Realty Group and as a Real Estate Developer in New York City. More pillars of his success survive him in the existence of The Paladin, The Grand Sutton and Silver Towers. He was an accomplished triathlete competing and training up until his final breath. One of his greatest pleasures was to ride his bicycle atop the many peaks and mountains scattered across the world. Our love for Josef will sustain and illuminate the corridors and paths that are now laid before us.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Samuel Okoshken
April 12, 2025
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.
Leland Franklin
November 29, 2023
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 in me and my potential which allowed me to dream big and go after those dreams -- from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Sierra just turned 10 months old and began walking last week. Our parenting journey so far has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Her name was, in part, inspired by the idea of learning to love the climb as she navigates the adventures of life. Sending you our best.
Leland Franklin
January 11, 2023
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 continue to live on in my heart as an inspiration and mentor. Hope you are well.
Leland Franklin
November 29, 2020
"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.
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Leland Franklin
November 27, 2019
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.
Mary Copp
April 18, 2018
Marsy, Juliet, Justin. We had no idea this happened. Just now learning of this. So very sorry. We send each of you our love.
Leland Franklin
December 20, 2017
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.
Crystal johnson
December 18, 2017
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.
Hari Tyagi
December 14, 2017
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.
Mei-Mei Ellerman
December 13, 2017
Am shocked and saddened to learn of Joe's premature departure from this world. Deeply appreciated his commitment to fighting human trafficking and his generous contributions as donor and advocate. My heartfelt condolences to Marsy and their children.
Tim H
December 11, 2017
My wife and I are in absolute shock. We met Joe when we moved into Silver Towers and were brand new to New York. He immediately made us feel welcome and like we had a community. Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. He is sorely missed.
Simon Salgado
December 6, 2017
Professor Mittlemann embodied humility and generosity of spirit as an educator. He was an absolute champion of not just doing well, but doing good and he was a role model for what he preached. He will be greatly missed. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to the Mittlemann family.
Steven Kryger
December 6, 2017
Carolyn and I send our deepest condolences to Marcy, Juliet, and Justin. It was clear to us, even in the short time we spent with him, what an amazing person he was.
Michael Tarr
December 5, 2017
I greatly cherish my memories of the many long bike rides and conversations I had with Joe over the years. The world is worse off for Joe not being in it.
Cassie Puhalla
December 4, 2017
Professor Mittlemann truly shaped my experience at Brown and who I am today, as I know he did for many others. I feel extremely lucky to have known him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Marsy, Beth, Justin and Juliet - I am so deeply sorry for your loss, he will not be forgotten.
Ken & Jane Sacks/Kaufman
December 4, 2017
Our hearts break over the passing of Joe. What a magnificent person: so full of curiosity, passion, and accomplishment. Our deepest condolences to Marsy and the children.
Jennifer (Paolino) Romano
December 4, 2017
I feel so fortunate to have known Joe Mittlemann as a professor and as a friend. My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time. His passing is a great loss to the world.
Brandon Gordon
December 4, 2017
Professor Mittlemann was a great advocate, friend and cheerleader for his students and an inspiration to let your curiosity lead you to the path that felt most authentic. I wish him and the family peace in this time. I'm honored to have had the chance to get to know him.
Nikoletta Manolaki
December 4, 2017
My deepest condolences to your family.Professor Mittlemann will always be remembered as a unique person ,out of the box professor, one of a kind personality.I was lucky to have met him in my life and although I knew him less than two years his strong personality will always be memorable
Bob Gilbane
December 3, 2017
Joe was a lifelong friend. He invited me to be a guest lecturer for many years at Brown. Marsy, Beth, Justin, Juliet - Joe was the best - great friend, brilliant teacher and mentor to so many
Bob Gilbane
MJ Davey
December 3, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cynthia and Bruce Powell
December 3, 2017
Words are never enough to comfort families who have lost a loved one. Thankfully, we all have memories that will last forever. Josef will be missed by all who knew him.
Ellen Coster/Isaac
December 3, 2017
Maurice and Ellen Isaac (Coster) We are so saddened by the loss of Josef. He will be remembered always. God bless him and all your family. Love and peace
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