MICHAEL ROSENTHAL

ROSENTHAL--Michael Born in Brooklyn in 1938, Michael led a long, wild, and varied life. After finishing film school and then touring around the west coast with nothing but his guitar, he came back to NYC as a beatnik folk singer, to try to make it as a musician. He rubbed elbows and performed with many of the greats of his time in Greenwich Village and Washington Square Park. After meeting his future wife on a weekend getaway to Fire Island in 1966, he abandoned professional music and started a small local film company, one of who's projects was to produce a public service spot for the NYPD to help catch the Son of Sam serial killer, in 1977. Michael was also one of the original bicycle commuters and a tireless advocate for more bike accessibility in the city, helping run Transportation Alternatives with his wife for a period of time. Throughout the years he was a consistent member of many a folk and bluegrass jam in and around NY, charming all with his velvet voice and humorous demeanor. After quitting drinking at 65 he began volunteering weekly for AA and found a new purpose, giving back to those in need. Michael made many friends and touched many lives during his time as one of NYC's native sons. He is survived by his wife Ruth, and son Adam, who will miss him very much.