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BORN
1942
DIED
2017
Michael Neustadt Obituary
Michael was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 18, 1942 and was raised in LaGrange. He worked summer jobs at the Chicago Board of Trade, later becoming the youngest person to hold a seat on the board at age 21 in 1963. After leaving the Board of Trade, Michael pursued a career as a college basketball coach in Wisconsin and North Dakota. Michael came to California in 1983 where he got sober and continued to work with alcoholics and addicts. He eventually founded Serenity Knolls with his wife Louise in 1990, and also held a seat on the Board of Directors at the ARA House in San Francisco. Mike, often referred to as "Coach," used sound recovery principles and fundamentals to help more than 6,000 alcoholics and addicts achieve sobriety.
Mike was an avid fan of all sports, both as a spectator and as a player. He followed the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Hawks and Bulls, and, as a charter member of the Bleacher Bums, was a dedicated and life-long fan of the Chicago Cubs. Mike was passionate about golf; not only did he enjoy playing new and challenging courses, he also travelled the country to watch tournaments each year.
He was a man of few words who by all accounts avoided the spotlight, thus it was his wish that there be no service or memorial in his honor. Mike would ask that you continue to extend your hand to those who are still suffering, as he strongly believed in the power of one alcoholic or addict helping another. Contributions can be made out to The Other Road Foundation, which was established to help fund treatment for recovering alcoholics and addicts (c/o Jerry Braun, 235 Montgomery Street 17th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Neustadt
armando morales
July 29, 2022
Thanks for always being a Noble and kind man , you live in many of our hearts
Ben
August 6, 2021
He was an incredible person. Ended up there not long after Jerry died and hated it the first few days. Didn't want to leave by the end of my 30. Thankful everyday since. RIP friend
June 28, 2019
Mike was a blessing and inspiration. I am so grateful to have known him. He and the staff at SK in 2007 showed me a new way to live. His quiet, compassionate demeanor and his encouragement that I was worthy of a new chance at life was so empowering (Along as I did the work!) I was always amazed how he always knew everyone's name, even if it had been years since he saw them. A caring and wonderful guy--the world needs more like him
Lisa K. San Francisco, Ca
Janet R
August 15, 2017
My heart is heavy now with so much emotion... In 1991, at the age of 23 I was the lowest in my life and wanted to die.
Because of Mike, Louise and SK, I was able to learn how to live life on life's terms, hold my head up with dignity in this life, and learned how to help others who were suffering.
I was able to continue these life lessons and will forever be grateful to you for allowing me to recover and begin to live again in the safety of SK, your belief in me, and the unconditional love and support that gave me my foundation.
Eric Beresford
August 15, 2017
Thank you, Mike, for your help and guidance in 1994 at Serenity Knolls. You were a great role model and inspiration.
Eric BW
Armando Morales
August 11, 2017
Thanks for the great words of wisdom , your humble walk of life was an inspiration to me and many more . You were like a father , s mentor and savior to many ,
Julie Hauke
August 8, 2017
Mike was the one who introduced me to Recovery. He could explain things so clearly so that they got through to my heart. I will be forever grateful to him & Lou for teaching me about Sobriety , for showing me the way. May he Rest In Peace.
Julie
Fellow AA
August 8, 2017
Mike was instrumental in saving my life. He handed me many a coin, which I returned to him on a yearly basis. His work will continue according to his example. Condolences to the family, which number in the thousands.
Lesley Fay
August 8, 2017
Thank you Mike for all that you did to help others. Yes, let's pass it on. My love to your family. Peter and I will always remember you and Serenity Knolls. Lesley Fay
August 8, 2017
Dearest Mike, you made a difference....
Jennifer Davis.
Beth Willens
August 8, 2017
Mike a candle to be lit in your honor for all you helped save ....
Cyndi Champagne
August 8, 2017
Without your help I would not be the mother,sister,daughter and friend I am today
I will forever be grateful to you
Many Thanks and love you
Cyndi C.
David H
August 7, 2017
I came to know Mike as a parent of a child suffering from addiction. The time spent at SK was perhaps the best and most impactful to our entire family. To this day, some eight years later, I still find myself saying "....i can hear Mike saying.......". His insights stay with me forever. Thank you, Mike. For all you and the wonderful people at SK have done for our daughter and our entire family. Our condolences to his family and all those whose lives have been by him. Mike, you are missed.
Norine Traci- Maloney
August 6, 2017
Missing all of those from SK these days- though I don't want to ever go back . 3x a charm.
Thanks to Mike and Lou for hiring an amazing wonderful staff that gave all their love to us. It was truly a special place and will be part of my recovery forever
Norine M 2001-2004-2014
Mary Jane Trizil (Hillstrom)
August 6, 2017
Michael was a part of my life for over 50+ years. His sister-in-law, Helen Anne, is my best friend. He was the cool older brother when we were kids, but his life took many twists and turns. The path to sobriety he found in California led him to his true life's purpose. Both he and Louise haven helped so very many find their own serenity and sobriety, including a member of my family. I send my love to Louise, Helen Anne, Matt, Geoff and all his family. Be well, Michael, and may you rest now at your journey's end.
Lori Rolovich
August 6, 2017
I am so very sorry for the loss of Mike. He was always so kind and generous with his time to both myself and my family. We had much in common and shared many stories and laughs, and I will miss him. May warm memories bring peace and healing to to all his many family and friends hearts. Mahalo Mike for everything you did for so many. May you rest in basketball paradise.
Matt Neustadt
August 6, 2017
Uncle Mike was a great man who dedicated a good portion of his life to helping others. He and his wife Louise helped over 6,000 people get sober and live a better life. When our dad passed away, Mike stepped in and took a father-like role for my brothers and me. He also was like a grandfather to my sons Patrick and Liam. He will be forever missed and loved by us all.
I will be eternally grateful for the wonderful experiences he gave me and my family as well as the wonderful places he introduced us to. Aloha and Mahalo, Mike. Rest in peace.
Me ka aloha,
Matt
Leslie Neustadt
August 6, 2017
Michael Neustadt was a man who many looked up to, including us. He was someone who we would turn to for advice. He was an incredible uncle, who treated my husband and children like a father/grandfather. I'll miss being able to call him to talk about the weather, cars, and where he was planning to travel next. Thank you for showing us the magic of Maui, and for always being there for us. A Hui Hou, Mike. Aloha.
Kitsy Brown Mahoney
August 5, 2017
Michael was my partner in his brother, David, and my sister, Helen Anne's wedding. I fell in love with him a little bit that day. For the past 50 years, since that wedding, I have seen Michael at family functions, weddings, funerals, reunions, parties...and I got to see first hand some of the incredible work that he and Louise did together at Serenity Knolls! I feel blessed and grateful to be a part of that fellowship. Michael never once said good bye to me at any of our gatherings....so I will honor that for him, because of him, and end this with his way: "Be well!"
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