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MICHAEL DINWIDDIE Obituary

Name: Graveside service for MICHAEL DINWIDDIE
Start: 2025-07-14T13:00:00.000Z
Location: Elmwood Cemetery

DINWIDDIE--Michael D. NYU's Gallatin School of Individualized Study mourns the death of its respected, beloved, longtime faculty member, Michael Dinwiddie. Accomplished playwright, composer, and scholar, Professor Dinwiddie's was a leading voice in the school, helping to define and constantly improve its culture during his 28 years as a faculty member. Over the course of a prolific career, he was a mentor to generations of NYU students and faculty, and achieved national recognition as a champion of Black theater. His legacy lives on in his plays; his scholarship; the commemoration of the historic African Grove Theater, which he helped bring about; and in the lives and hearts of his students and colleagues. Gallatin offers its deepest sympathies to the Dinwiddie family and to Michael's husband Vincent. Michael is irreplaceable, and will be keenly missed.

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Published by New York Times on Jul. 8, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL DINWIDDIE

22 Entries

Andrew W

August 13, 2025

Around 2010, when I was a young grad student at NYU, Michael Dinwiddie hired me to help him learn the music notation software he was using to write a new musical. As soon as we started, I realized that I only knew marginally more about Finale than he did, and that we would mostly be figuring things out together. To my relief, this didn´t seem to bother him, and he paid me too well for three or four sessions which were also marked by fascinating conversation and delicious lox and bagels. He encouraged me in my own creative pursuits, and I was impressed by his kindness, intelligence, curiosity, and energy. I´m grateful that I got to meet this remarkable man.

William White

July 29, 2025

Michael had such a wonderful and interesting career and life that I wished I could have been more apart of it. During Covid19 we reconnected and was hoping to see him come to Japan and visit. It is an honor to call him my cousin and will see him in the next life.

Lydia F. Sims

July 27, 2025

Gone to soon. Still with the presence and talent to enrich us with his greatness and the humility to accept the deserving accolades. The gift of his words remains with all of us who have read and/or heard them. Condolences go out to his family and loved ones. May we all find comfort in our remembrances of him.

Jean-Marc URBINI

July 27, 2025

I'm saddened by his passing.
We were friends at NYU in the early 1980's.
Then, we lost contact for 35 years. I respoke to him 3 years ago, and it was a great pleasure to do so.
I pray that he rests in peace with the Almighty.

Bob Frisch

July 25, 2025

Michael changed my life while I was deciding to "go back to school" in mid-life. Thanks again, Michael, for being a mensch and a believer. You made a difference in so many lives.

Roland Lawrence

July 22, 2025

Michael and I were classmates at the fabulous Cass Tech High School in Detroit where he studied theatre and I studied music composition.

He was a dependable esteem booster which helped me to step into my soul's purpose.

Safe travels to his soul. Michael will only be a thought away.

Roland Lawrence

July 22, 2025

Michael and I were classmates at the fabulous Cass Tech High School in Detroit where he studied and I studied music composition.

He was a dependable esteem booster which helped me to step into my soul's purpose.

Safe travels to his soul. Michael will only be a thought away.

Chris Bram

July 19, 2025

Michael was my colleague at Gallatin. A truly good man, he was warm, open-hearted, and intelligent. He was wonderful with students, always kind and helpful. We sat on panels together, where I could count on him to say something wise and supportive. Best of all, he was wonderful company. It was always a pleasure to run into him in the hallways or on campus and hear the good news. I can't believe I won't see him again. He will be sorely missed.

Monet Brathwaite

July 14, 2025

Professor Dinwiddie was one of the most influential professors I had during my time at NYU. I´m so grateful for his candor, guidance and true zest for living life.

Thank you, Professor Dinwiddie. You will always be remembered and your memory lives on with all of us.

Nora Cole

July 14, 2025

My dear Sir Michael Dinwiddie,
Your energy and enthusiasm for life, love, knowledge and sincere support of everyone you taught, mentored, collaborated with and for all your artistic endeavors is unmatched. You have been a tremendous brain trust. I always marveled at the vastness of your accomplishments in every facet of your life during your life. You meant so much to so many, hundreds including me. And it will take hundreds to fill your shoes and the void your absence leaves behind. Thank you....thank you, thank you for believing in me, for taking the time to champion and support my work, for inviting me to the table, for your friendship, mentorship and the light, love and joy that always radiated from you. I cherish it all. My deepest condolences to Vincent and the family.

NYU-FESS TEAM

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NYU Financial Systems and Analytical Insight team

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Kathie Eiyah House

July 13, 2025

When we are born the majority of us receive birth certificates, Michael I believe received a declaration for life. I first met him at a Detroit themed party in Harlem at the Dwyer Cultural Center and later he was my playwriting teacher. He and Vincent were dinner guests at my home in Detroit when Michael was in town visiting his Mother; we shared a relaxed evening together. Michael met no strangers and the world was truly his oyster. An accomplished intellect he was proud of his family heritage and was a wealth of knowledge on many subjects; he was a lifelong learner and loved to introduce others to his vast knowledge. He was a team player and understood that life is at its best when shared with others. Through many relationships his legacy will continue. Vincent thank you for being his rock. Kathie Eiyah House Detroit and Chicago.

Allen McFarlane

July 11, 2025

I don't know how Michael was able to give so much of himself to so many. I feel blessed to have known him as a cherished colleague and collaborator at NYU. Michael always believed in you, in us, to exceed and excel beyond your own expectations. Heartfelt condolences to his family...

Maxene Kupperman-Guiñals

July 10, 2025

One of the kindest, most caring directors I´ve ever worked with. What a man of generosity of spirit! I was so extraordinarily fortunate to benefit from his warmth and talent.

Don Rodríguez Gómez Rosa

July 9, 2025

I had the honor of knowing Michael for more than a decade, and it feels surreal that I had just seen him a few weeks ago on Astor Place, happily enjoying barbecue from the Jamrock Jerk truck. The memory of that recent encounter-seeing him in good spirits-makes this loss all the more poignant. Through his words of wisdom and steadfast loyalty to those he loved, he helped me become a better person.

-Don Rodríguez Gómez Rosa

Norene Terry hassel

July 9, 2025

Corry for your loss , Michelle
I only met your brother briefly and a long time ago but he left a lasting impression and memories. Sincerely, Norene

Josh Grossberg

July 8, 2025

I was a student in Michael's screenwriting classes 20 years ago and there was no teacher more insightful, passionate and inspiring. His kindness was outweighed by a heart filled to the brim with a desire to see each and every one of his pupils reach their fullest potential as storytellers. He mentored me not only as a writer but on how to find my truth as an artist. Michael and I exchanged a couple of notes over the years wishing each other well and I regret not seeing more of him. But I'm so grateful to have had him as my professor and learn as much as I did. His memory will continue in the work of generations of students he taught as well as all the great plays, theater and stories he contributed to the world. I will miss him dearly. Rest in Peace, Professor.

Raghu Sundaram

July 8, 2025

Michael was one of the gentlest and loveliest human beings it has been my privilege to know. What a beautiful smile! Michael, we will all miss you very much.

Crystal Sershen

July 8, 2025

Like his beautiful smile, Michael's passion and devotion to the arts and his students were boundless. Michael was a mentor and professor in my graduate years at Gallatin, where his charisma and integrity inspired students and colleagues alike. He was the very spirit of the school, a model of lived arts education, and a cornerstone of the community. It's hard to imagine a Gallatin without Michael in it. My condolences to Michael's family and the heavy-hearted colleagues, friends, alums, and students who had the privilege of knowing him. How you will be missed...

Lia Chang

July 8, 2025

Celebrating Michael Dinwiddie, Award-Winning Playwright, Composer, Scholar of Black Theater and NYU Gallatin School Professor https://wp.me/pXK8r-7x8

Fritz Gerald

July 7, 2025

Thank you for your friendship and your camaraderie. I pray for the strength to finish our pending documentary project. God bless your soul, my friend.

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