Michael Stern Obituary

Obituary: Journalist, author and philanthropist remembered best as storyteller

Michael Stern riveted listeners with stories of being knighted by the government of Italy, having his life threatened by mobsters and filing some of the first dispatches from a liberated Rome in 1944.

The journalist, author and philanthropist, who died of pancreatic cancer at age 98 at a Palm Beach hospice April 7, also tirelessly helped families of veterans at Fisher House in West Palm Beach, manager Theresa Ringel said.

"He would come and visit the families three or four times a year and tell colorful stories," Ringel said. "He was here last month -- sharp as a tack."

Mr. Stern, who lived in New York City and Lake Worth, will be honored at a May 1 memorial service at the USS Intrepid Museum in New York, where he served as trustee emeritus.

"He had a lot of careers, the last as a philanthropist," his son Michael Jr. in Juno Beach said.

Born in Brooklyn in 1910, Mr. Stern left Syracuse University to write for newspapers and later magazines such as True Detective Mysteries. As a U.S. war correspondent, he entered Rome a day ahead of most Allied troops, and stayed to live there 50 years before returning to the United States. He authored seven books, including the 1964 autobiography An American in Rome. He also produced several films including Run for Your Life (1988) with David Carradine and Lauren Hutton.

Mr. Stern, whose wife Estelle died in 1995, is survived by his daughter Margaret of New York, with whom he co-chaired the Michael Stern Parkinson's Research Foundation; son Michael, his co-chair at The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation at The Rockefeller University; and a granddaughter.

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Published by The Palm Beach Post from Apr. 13 to Apr. 18, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Stern

11 Entries

kathy and rick jorden

May 4, 2009

Michael,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I recall a recent chat about your dad and how amazing he was - his many contributions to making this world a better place and what a wonderful father he was. May all your cherished memories and the many lives he touched provide much strength and comfort during this difficult time.

Richard Salem

May 1, 2009

Michael, your many contributions to the community are legacies for which memories fostered will remain vivid for years to come. And, the care and kindness that you shared with so many friends will always live on in our hearts and souls. What fun times we had together living life to the fullest. With sincere affection, Richard J Salem

Rassika S. Bourgi

April 22, 2009

OH! Mr. Stern, lover of life; wherever you are, your light shines on in the hearts of many. The impact you've had on so many of us, whether through your writtings, conversations, or over a cup of coffee, leaves me desirous of your wisdom and determination. you will be missed and remembered, here in the heart of your once upon a time massage therapist. My deepest condolences to Margaret, Michael Stern, Jr. and Mary Ann Sallas.

Vivian Wilson

April 22, 2009

What a beautiful life you lived and what an inspiration you were to all of us. I will always remember you as passionate, dedicated and committed to the Fisher Houses, Alzheimer and Parkinson Foundations. My deepest sympathy to your family and to your dedicated and trusted Assistant, Mary Ann Sallas.

Diane Weiss

April 21, 2009

I had the privilege of meeting Michael Stern a few years ago. His enthusiasm and commitment to the Intrepid and the Fisher Houses, Alzheimer and Parkinson Foundations were both inspirational and mind-boggling. Seeing him in pictures when he was much younger, one could always pick him out of the crowd: he was always in the middle, his face radiating passion and joy. He lived a long and remarkable life, but he never grew old. His child-like curiousity was infectious. We were all blessed to have had him touch our lives. Peace and mindfulness to Margaret and Michael, and to his very close and dedicated assistant Mary Ann.

Craig Ortiz

April 21, 2009

I will miss you Michael,your wisdom & generosity are legendary. A man of distinction, honor & service who did so much to help others. You had a great impact on many lives and will live on in our hearts forever. All my love to his family & friends who are sadden by his passing. A true American hero that I was honored to have called friend, I'll never forget you.

Mary Ann Sallas

April 21, 2009

You changed my life forever, and for the better. I cannot thank you enough, and should I be so lucky as to live to your age, I will never forget you. I miss you terribly.

Susan Chamish

April 15, 2009

While I didn't know Uncle Mike well, I enjoyed the limited time we were together.
My deepest sympathy to you Michael, Margaret and Margaret-Ann.

Brenda McHugh

April 14, 2009

Mr. Stern was an extremely lively and generous man. He was the source of many of my articles. In the process, he imparted both the integrity of journalism and the importance of living life to the fullest. Thank you Mary Ann for introducing me to him. And my condolences to Margaret and Michael Stern, Jr.

Linda Ford

April 13, 2009

I am deeply saddened by Michael's passing. We shared many good times on the AMA Foundation Board of Directors. He always had great insight on difficult problems. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and Mary Ann.

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