Michael Ginsberg, Ph.D., of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully from heart disease on Dec. 20.
He was born on Nov. 12, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York, lived many places, including Louisville, Kentucky, for 37 cumulative years, and moved to Kansas in 2022 to be close to family.
Michael earned his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Buffalo, master’s degree from the University of Louisville and Ph.D. from Indiana University. After working across the country as a reporter, he found his true calling as a professor at Jefferson Community & Technical College in Louisville. Whether mentoring one of his students, his Little Brother Dennis (matched through Big Brothers Big Sisters) or a stranger he just met, Michael used his humor, intellect and generosity to help others feel loved and empowered. He spent much of his time writing and telling stories. He loved movies, the Mets and Dodgers and the New York Times.
Michael made lasting friendships everywhere he lived. He most cherished friends and memories were from his Teacher Corps service in Louisville in the early 1970s. After retirement, he was a proud member of the Grumpy Old Men Club.
As a former chair of the Tikkun Olam committee and co-chair of the education committee, Michael was an active member of Temple Shalom in Louisville. He wrote numerous stories centered around Jewish holidays and was known as Temple Shalom’s maggid. Starting in his children’s public schools, Michael impersonated Hershel and told the story of “Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblins.” Upon his passing, numerous students from many years ago expressed their appreciation and memories of his story telling.
Michael will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 38 years, Jeri Swinton; his children, Perry Swinton-Ginsberg (Aiden McLuckie) and William Swinton-Ginsberg; and his grandson, Kieran McLuckie. Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Ethel Ginsberg, and his sisters, Karen and Judith.
A memorial service was held at Congregation Beth Torah in Overland Park and at Temple Shalom. As a final act of generosity, Michael willed his body to the University of Kansas School of Medicine. In lieu of flowers, Michael requested donations be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana and Doctors Without Borders.