When a legend passes on: In Memory of Michael Masch
Written by Aviva Perlo, photo by Mike DeNardo
There have been over 400,000 deaths so far in 11 months, which means there have been well over 800,000 people who have lost loved ones and are now grieving. A community pillar in Philadelphia, Michael Masch, passed away this week though not from covd. He leaves a large legacy behind. I was not in his inner circle, yet here are parts of his ripple effect.
Michael’s life’s work was about numbers and spreadsheets and how to expand schools, colleges, and neighborhoods. He calculated what it would take to grow institutions to benefit children and adults, often in low-income neighborhoods. While his expertise was in fiscal management, he also specialized in talking with people — anyone really. That is one of the main reasons he will be deeply missed in Philadelphia and beyond.
His professional leadership was vast yet he remained down to earth and approachable, eager to dialogue. Michael served as Chief Financial Officer of Howard University in Washington D.C., Secretary of Budget and Administration for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Vice President for Budget and Management at the University of Pennsylvania, Chief Business Officer for the Philadelphia Public Schools, and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Manhattan College. The list is extraordinary. Meanwhile he remained extroverted and open for dialogue with people of all professional levels.
In the end, Michael was a white male working at a black college, at Howard University, even before Black Lives Matter. I used to ask, ‘So how’s it going as the white guy on a black campus?’ Some would balk at this but my father taught me there’s nothing wrong with ‘black.’ He said there were racist disparities and if they were not acknowledged, that was wrong. Michael did not miss a beat and began describing how it was going really well. Once I retorted with “they have to like you, Michael, you’re holding the purse strings.” And he dove further into the dynamics of a recent meeting to illustrate how well things were really going.
Recently I asked if Kamala Harris was coming to speak at Howard, her alma mater. He immediately went to logistics, describing the challenges with transportation, construction, and security. He was not focused on being big. He was focused on making big things happen for others.
Too many leaders consider themselves too lofty to speak with people. Some leaders fall in love with their ego and try to shush ‘others.’ Not you. Your accessibility is largely what made you so exemplary — plus your masterful skills. Many people want to leave a legacy, and you nailed it.
Michael was extroverted that he could out-shmooze almost anyone at a kiddush reception table. Endless socializing takes conversation skills and curiosity about the world. Perhaps for Michael it was like mixing line items on spreadsheet, seamlessly letting one flow to the next. I remember when you said Rachel is basically a social worker too, only she went the business route, so now more doors open. I never respected money much. Money seemed to be entangled in greed, manipulation and unhappy people. But you’re right — investing money for cities, states, schools, and housing is ‘essential.’
Having Sabbath dinner with you and Rachel in your home was an experience. I remember once I walked over on a cold dark night, I was concerned that I was late. I arrived 10-15 minutes after dinner was called for. Hah. We, the six or so guests, hung out and shmoozed as you and Rachel prepared salmon and salad. I remember you asking Rachel about plate settings, and you carefully followed. After an hour or so of pre-game warm up, we all sat down. Then came the singing, the stories, and the memories as we began to eat.
When you moved to New York, I asked what street your apartment was on. I already had a routine down. I would visit New York on the weekends and check out vibrant communities. When you said the street number, I knew it was close enough to walk to Romemu on Shabbat. Sure enough, a few months later, when you and Rachel were in Philly one weekend, you generously lent the apartment, and it was great.
When you moved to D.C. I suggested you visit my cousin’s art center called Dance Place. She negotiated with the Mayor’s Office to expand housing for artists, created educational programs, and drove business growth in low-income neighborhoods to discover another link in D.C., Penn, and Howard.
Business aside, it was beautiful seeing you and Rachel do so much for so many, and seeing the love between the two of you. You have been pillars in the community since the early minyan days with Rabbi Zalman Schacter-Shalomi. When you led prayer services, it was as if your entire being lit up. You seemed so excited to sing, so happy to bring people together in prayer, and delighted to connect with the Holy One.
May your soul rise up. May Rachel, Sol, and Ezra be comforted as they mourn, and may your grandchildren grow up and hear beautiful stories of you. May those who occupy leadership positions follow in your foot steps to govern in altruistic, heimisha ways.
