Search by Name

Search by Name

Michael Masser

1941 - 2015

Michael Masser obituary, 1941-2015, Rancho Mirage, CA

BORN

1941

DIED

2015

Michael Masser Obituary

Michael Masser

March 24, 1941 - July 9, 2015

Acclaimed songwriter, producer, Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee and Oscar nominee Michael Masser passed away Thursday, July 9, 2015 at his home in Rancho Mirage, CA with his beloved wife at his side. Born March 24, 1941 in Chicago, IL, Michael attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and pursued a career as a stockbroker, but left the field to pursue his love of music. Masser first achieved success with the 1973 #1 smash hit "Touch Me In the Morning," a song he wrote and produced for Diana Ross. It was followed by the chart-topping "Theme from 'Mahogany' (Do You Know Where You're Going To?)" which earned Masser an Oscar nomination in 1975 for Best Original Song. Masser went on to work with Teddy Pendergrass which led to a meeting with Whitney Houston. Masser's partnership with Houston led to three #1 hits from Whitney's first two albums: "Saving All My Love," "Didn't We Almost Have it All" and "The Greatest Love of All"; the latter song was originally written for the movie "The Greatest" (the 1977 film about the life of boxer Muhammad Ali) and was recorded by George Benson. Michael is survived by his wife Ogniana; his children Sean, Jennifer and Aleksandra; sister Rhoda; and grandchildren Joshua and Ryan. The family will be holding a private memorial service in Los Angeles.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: desertsun.com/obituaries

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Desert Sun on Jul. 16, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Masser

Not sure what to say?





Maureen Dale

July 18, 2015

We are so sorry for your loss Ogniana. You were both very nice to us. We loved hearing Michael play the piano and Mary sing. You are in our prayers. Love, Maureen & Tracy Dale

Yvonne Scott

July 17, 2015

Dear Masser Family,
I'm the hostess at Wally's Desert Turtle in Rancho Mirage and whenever Mr. Masser would come for dinner he would sit at the piano and play his beautiful songs. Mr. Masser will be missed and our most sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Yvonne Scott
Wally's Desert Turtle
Rancho Mirage, Ca.

Andra Marx-Krajchir

July 16, 2015

Thinking of you and your family at this sorrowful time.

Jennifer Masser

July 16, 2015

So sorry to hear about Michael, thinking of all of you and wishing you peace at this difficult time.

Carol Brockman Castro

July 16, 2015

A great talent and I just took a trip down memory lane reading of some of the terrific songs written by Mr. Masser. Thank you for sharing your gift with us. God bless.

Scott Chamberland

July 14, 2015

Please accept my Deepest Sympathies

July 14, 2015

So sorry for the lost of your dear love one. May the "God of all Comfort" be with you during this difficult time. 2Cor 1:3

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Masser's name

Memorial Events
for Michael Masser

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Masser's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more