Birth date: Nov 18, 1982 Death date: Jan 20, 2024
Dr. Robert F. Michael, Jr., much loved Son, Partner, Brother, and Uncle, was born November 18, 1982 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Known more affectionately as Rob or Robbie, a 2001 Baldwin High School graduate, Rob continued his ed Read Obituary
I met Rob in September when I answered a social media posting looking for a substitute music director for the last month of the fall musical rehearsal process. We instantly connected over our shared love of teaching, English, and most importantly - musical theatre. Ever gracious and never prideful, he was the teacher that every high schooler wishes they had. From everything I've heard, it was his decade leading the theatre program at MAHS that elevated it to the level it currently sits at. When he asked me to continue collaborating with him on his next show, I was relieved, because I didn't want to work on educational theatre anywhere else or with anyone else. The last time we spoke was the night before he left us, and it was a conversation full of cheesy theatre references, serious idea workshopping for the show we were directing, and plotting a future in which we worked together teaching and mentoring kids. The last thing he said to me was \"I always try to make it [the theatre program] what I wanted when I was a kid.\" Rest well, friend. You were good to everybody who knew you.
Mr. Michael was my English teacher all through high school. He was one of my favorites you knew every time you went to his class you were going to be laughing and having the best time but also getting things done! I graduated 7 years ago but I’ll always remember his class and what a great teacher he was to me. My heart goes out to his partner, puppies and family. 🫶🏻 You will be missed.
Rob was one of the kindest, energized and most remarkable teachers I have ever worked with and I count him one a great friend and colleague during my time as a music educator at Moon High School. He was a truly amazing person. There are no words, I will miss you Rob!
Our love, thoughts and prayers are with all members of the family. Robbie was always kind to us whenever we visited his sister-in-law Elizabeth, our daughter, his brother Joshua, our son-in-law, our grandchildren Joseph and Emma Margaret, his nephew and niece. Robbie and I shared a special bond when we were in the hospital together awaiting the birth of Joseph, his nephew and my grandson. We were both educators and discussed various strategies to help our students succeed. Robbie’s love for his family and students was always evident in the way he related to them. He will be sorely missed by all whose lives he impacted and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. May he rest sweetly in eternal peace. Love, Jeanette and Wallace Balwah, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Sending our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers during this difficult time.
Christopher, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that many have you in their thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and joy in the wonderful memories of your beloved husband. We love you and are sending loving hugs and light.
Much love,
Your many crafty friends that adore you
So much of me is made, of what I learned from you. You'll be with me, like a handprint on my heart. With deepest sympathy.
All of us involved in musical theatre at West Allegheny High School extend our deepest sympathies to Rob's family and everyone in Moon HS Drama. I'm even more thrilled and humbled now to have seen the fantastic production of \"Something Rotten\" last year and to have met him through the Gene Kelly Awards. His advice and encouragement was invaluable when we switched from a play to a small-cast fall musical two years ago. What an incredible loss----someone so young and talented....and even a better person! From Tom Snyder
Mr. Michael was my teacher in 11th grade for College Prep English.
He was one of the kindest and most supportive teachers I’ve ever had in my tenure at Moon. He had a profound impact on me, and his way of teaching not only inspired me to take his poetry class (which, unfortunately, he handed off to another teacher), but also inspired me to not only study education for history, but also English.
During my last year, my relationship with Mr. Michael grew much stronger, he was like a good friend to me. I was so recasted when I heard he passed, and it’s such a shame that I never will be able to see such a wonderful man ever again.
Mr Michael, I, Shae Vojtash, am proud of what you had done to me, you changed me in a way I did never knew you could.
I hope that my job as a history, English, both-
An educator, is an extension of the legacy you laid out for me, as well as the other teachers at Moon.
Goodbye Mr. Michael, may you forever rest in peace with the other great theatre actors of all times, because you belong with them.
Barbara and Jerry Chotiner extend their condolences to the family.
