Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Submitted by the family

Michael B. Etzkin was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Feb. 28, 1947, to Joe and Paula Etzkin and died on Aug. 17, 2021, in Altamonte Springs, Fla., at the age of 74. At the age of 16, Michael and his twin brother Allan, who predeceased him one year ago, moved with their parents to Cleveland, Ohio, while oldest brother Steven stayed in Wisconsin.

After graduating from Cleveland Heights High School, Michael attended Kent State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He worked at several Ohio newspapers before moving with his first wife and their two sons to Orlando in 1979.

The reason for their move was Michael’s new job in the sports department of The Orlando Sentinel. For almost 30 years, Michael held a variety of jobs at the Sentinel, from sports editing to travel editing — his two passions.

Michael was a fervent Packer Backer and a big Cleveland Indians fan, adding the Tampa Bay Rays to his must-see teams in his later years. Baseball was a huge part of his life, from playing to watching to collecting baseball cards — and cataloging them in special notebooks. He took his sons on road trips to baseball stadiums around the country, and spring training games in Florida were a yearly ritual.

Travel was his other passion. Having traveled throughout Europe after college, he loved to return to favorite locales, such as London and Spain. He also enjoyed visiting cities throughout the United States.

For many years Michael volunteered with Congregation Ohev Shalom’s Ma’asim Tovim program, helping to feed the homeless.

After retiring from the Sentinel in 2007, Michael served as an editor of Heritage Florida Jewish News for five years.

Michael is survived by his spouse, Loraine O’Connell; his sons Josh (Alisa) of Albuquerque, N.M., and Robby of Sarasota, Fla .; grandchildren Sophia and Joseph; and brother Steven (Patti) Etzkin of Orlando.

A private funeral was held at Congregation Ohev Shalom Cemetery with Rabbi Murray Ezring and Cantor Allan Robuck officiating.

In memory of Michael B. Etzkin, the family requests contributions to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (giftfunds@ninds.nih.gov)

Arrangements entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 640 Lee Road, Orlando FL 32810, 407-599-1180, http://www.bethshalommemorialchapel.com.