Dr. John B. Molidor

John B. Molidor, Ph.D. - "Dr. John"

With profound love and deep sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor, and friend on March 26, 2026.

John is survived by his wife, Pamela R. Benitez, MD, son Christopher, two grandchildren, Clara and Caroline Molidor. He is also survived by his siblings Steve (Joan), Kathy Scortino (the late Frank), Dan, Mary Clare (Lara Bloomquist), Lisa Peloquin (John), Kevin (Jean), and Tom (Shelley). Many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews are also mourning his passing. He was preceded in death by parents, Otto and Mary Lou Molidor and his brothers, Jimmy and Larry.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa on July 3, 1951 he lived a life filled with adventure, giving, and love.

To his family, he was everything. A devoted and loving husband, he was a steady partner and the love of a lifetime. As a father and grandfather, he was endlessly proud, offering encouragement, wisdom, and unconditional love. His laughter, his stories, and his unique sense of humor will echo in our hearts forever. For John, family was #1. "Family is first. They gave me the strength to venture out. Even if I failed, they were my safety net." He was a gentle soul whose presence brought comfort, wisdom, and quiet strength to all who knew him.

A brilliant neuroscientist and respected Regional Community Dean of the Michigan State College of Human Medicine (MSU-CHM)-Flint Campus and CEO of FAME (Flint Area Medical Education), he dedicated his life to advancing knowledge, healing others, and shaping the future through education and mentorship. His work with students brought him immense pleasure as he guided them through medical school and prepared them for residency. He fostered a culture of inclusion. Each student mattered. He held an emeritus position as a Professor of Psychiatry and served as Chair of the Consortium of Advanced Psychology Training and past Dean of Admissions and Dean of Student Affairs for MSU-CHM. Dr. Molidor was a founding member of the Group on Regional Medical Campuses. His leadership at Michigan State exemplified his commitment to shaping the next generation of physicians.

Education was deeply important to him. He attended Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois. After graduation from the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota), Dr. Molidor traveled to Michigan where he earned his Ph.D. at Michigan State University.

His focus was clearly based in the neurosciences and as he said, "I sought to discover and determine why people thought the way they did." "I saw processes that did not seem to work in education, business, or speaking. Using behavioral and neuroscience principles, I worked for change."

His work and dedication to the world of speaking earned him numerous honors and took him around the world as a sought-after speaker, yet his greatest pride was never in accolades, but in the people he uplifted along the way.

Although never sought, John earned the highest award of the National Speakers Association (NSA), the Cavett Award. NSA's highest honor is given to a member who exemplifies the "spirit of Cavett" through exceptional sharing, guiding, and inspiring of other professional speakers. He not only served as the

President of NSA but also as President of the Global Speakers Federation (GSF). He received the International Ambassador Award which recognizes individuals who make substantial, sustained contributions to the global speaking community. Dr. Molidor approached leadership issues and problems in a quiet and professional manner, seeking input from others, treating individuals with dignity and respect, creating situations where the profession of speaking was elevated.

He had a rare gift: the ability to make everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether guiding a student, mentoring a colleague, or offering kindness to a stranger, he gave of himself freely and without hesitation. He was fair, thoughtful, and deeply principled-a man who led not only with intellect, but with heart.

In 2025, Dr. John B. Molidor was named the Distinguished Alumnus of University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) which honors an alumnus/alumna for leadership and service to St. Thomas, the community, and in their field of endeavor. He was recognized for his extraordinary contributions.

Through his generous spirit, John gave back by ardently supporting a passion of his wife, Pamela, as she co-founded Shades of Pink Foundation, whose mission is to reduce financial stress for those undergoing breast cancer treatment in Southeast Michigan by providing prompt funding for daily living expenses.

He was a thinker, teacher, and leader-someone who inspired others not only to learn, but to become better, kinder human beings. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the minds he shaped, and the love he gave so generously.

He dedicated his life to help guide, counsel, and advise others. He worked behind the scenes and used his gifts to be of service to others all done with a sense of humility. The most important value by which he lived was fairness.

In the words of his dear friend and colleague: "You shaped more of us than you probably know. You are equal parts brilliant mind, unwavering heart, and steady compass. You nudged me toward a better version of myself. You have shown us that doing the right thing, quietly and consistently, is true leadership."

But clearly it was his heart. A heart that loves unconditionally, that calls to check in when you sense someone is struggling, that never asks for credit, that makes room for everyone, that leads with grace.

A quiet genius, listener, mentor, steady compass, leader, colleague, teacher, and friend. He had a way of reminding us, gently but firmly, what truly mattered.

Though our hearts are broken, we are forever grateful for the time we shared. He will be deeply missed and eternally remembered.

A Celebration of his Life will be held in Birmingham/Bloomfield Hills in late spring, in the Chicago area in early summer, and at the Annual Meeting of the National Speakers Association in July. Details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Dr. John B. Molidor & Family Undergraduate Endowed Scholarship at the University of St. Thomas (mail: P.O. Box 64947, St. Paul, MN 55164-0947 or online: https://link.stthomas.edu/MolidorMemorial) or Shades of Pink Foundation, noting that the memorial is in recognition of Dr. John B. Molidor (online: https://www.shadesofpinkfoundation.org/take-action or by mail: P.O. Box 2538, Birmingham, MI 48012 /phone: (248) 729-3166 /email: executiveadministrator@shadesofpinkfoundation.org).