Dr. Emanuel Michaels

Dr. Emanuel Michaels

Norfolk - Dr. Emanuel "Manny" Michaels, DDS, age 86, passed away at the Beth Sholom Home in Virginia Beach, Virginia on August 7, 2016 from complications arising from a stroke. He was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania to the late Erwin and Eva Michaels. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife and treasure of 43 years, Ada Rubin Michaels.

Survivors include his loving children, Larry Michaels and wife Diana of Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Hillary Michaels, Ph.D., of Alexandria, Virginia, and Gayle Michaels of Chicago, Illinois; his two beautiful granddaughters Elizabeth and Rebecca; his cherished sister, Barbara Michaels Levy of Boca Raton, Florida; his loving and loved companion, Anne Cohen Friedman of Boca Raton, Florida; and by an extensive circle of family and friends.

Manny attended Granby High School and Augusta Military Academy. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1951 and the School of Dentistry at the Medical College of Virginia in 1955. After serving as a Captain in the Dental Corp in the U.S. Army, he ran a successful dental practice in Norfolk, Virginia for 40 years. To his patients, he was a dedicated and kind caregiver who always took a personal interest in them and their families.

He was a member of and served in leadership roles and on committees for several dental organizations including: the Tidewater Dental Association Foundation (President), the Tidewater Dental Association (President), the Virginia Dental Association (President and Fellow), the Virginia Academy of General Dentistry (President), the American Academy of General Dentistry (House of Delegates and Fellow), the American Dental Association (House of Delegates, Relief Fund Vice Chair and Endowment and Assistance Fund Vice President), The International College of Dentists, Virginia Chapter (Vice Regent and Regent), The American College of Dentists (Chairman Virginia Section and Fellow), The International College of Dentists USA Section (President and Fellow), and The International College of Dentists (International Council). He was a Board Member of Delta Dental of Virginia for over 30 years.

Manny received a number of dental honors including the Simmons Award from the Tidewater Dental Association, Pierre Fauchard Society Award for Virginia, Harry Lyons Award of the Medical College of Virginia Alumni Association as its Distinguished Alumnus 2002, and he was the first recipient of the President's Award, Virginia Dental Association. In 2001, the President's Award of the Virginia Dental Association was renamed the Emanuel W. Michaels Award in recognition of his dedication and service.

He served as a respected and knowledgeable leader in the dental field, including being an Associate Professor of Dental Hygiene at Old Dominion University and authoring several resolutions to the ADA House of Delegates regarding dental health care for the underserved members of our community.

Manny believed strongly in one's duty to give back to society and was active in the community. He championed education and community health efforts and his community service was focused on initiatives that he believed in and where he felt he could make a difference. He was a member of the Vocational Education Advisory Council for the Norfolk Public Schools; a Member of the State Board of Health for the Commonwealth of Virginia; a Board Member of the Eastern Virginia Health Systems Agency; a member of the City of Norfolk Health Advisory Board, including Chairman in 2006; a Board member of the Norfolk Senior Center; a Highlight Docent for the Chrysler Museum; a Mediator for the Better Business Bureau; the Citizen Member of the Disciplinary Committee for the Virginia State Bar Association; and a member of Rotary Club of Norfolk. He was an active member of Congregation Beth El for 57 years.

Manny's many interests included his family, his friendships, history, politics, reading, traveling, photography (he was never without a camera) and public service. Manny was a lifelong learner and was knowledgeable on a wide range of topics and always shared his insight and point of view. He believed that everyone should be actively involved in the world around us and he practiced what he preached.

The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to the Ada R. Michaels Book Program at Congregation Beth El, http://bethelnorfolk.com/; or a donation in memory of Manny Michaels to either the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia, http://www.foodbankonline.org/, or the VCU School of Dentistry, https://www.support.vcu.edu/give/dentistry.

The Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, August 9, 2016, at 10 am at Congregation Beth El, 422 Shirley Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia 23517. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family will be welcoming visitors from 6 to 9 pm on Tuesday through Thursday evenings in the Freemason Harbour Commons Room, 255 College Cross, Norfolk with Evening Services beginning at 7 pm. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.hdoliver.com. Be well.