Michael Alexander Orosz

May 3, 1961 - May 12, 2023

SAN DIEGO — Michael Alexander Orosz lived by his own terms–to the chagrin (and inevitable delight) of municipal planning departments around San Diego County. Born in Greenwood Lake, NY to Joan and Jordan Orosz, adventure was Michael’s religion. He backpacked the Adirondacks at 10 and attended school only when it seemed worthwhile. In high school in San Diego, it wasn’t uncommon for Michael to call his friends at 7pm on Friday telling them to be ready to leave for Yosemite at 5am on Saturday.

Michael carried his sense of adventure to parenthood. During one early camping trip, Michael famously took both of his young children for a swim in a box canyon’s rushing waters, gripping the sides of the sheer rock walls (and his kids) to resist the river’s flow. In later years, he challenged the family to cliff-diving competitions off the Welsh coast, scaled trees in England, and played American baseball in Paris’s Jardin des Tuileries. You can imagine how well that went over with the locals.

But Michael didn’t need travel to have adventure. Anyone who has shared a meal, an errand, or a drive with him knows that Michael made the mundane

magical. Grocery runs with Michael weren’t chores but a battle for the best ingredients. Neighborhood walks were a celebration of fresh air and physical movement. His recent shop move an opportunity to build community in a new place. Michael saw any conversation as an opportunity for joy and mischief–and he sure loved to talk. Michael struck up conversations at the checkout line, at the neighboring table at the diner, and with old friends whenever possible. So it is no surprise that Michael showed a knack for something rare in men his age: deep friendship. A college buddy waxed about Michael’s “inner light,” drawing in anyone who experienced its glow. A millennial friend described Michael in terms the younger generation would understand: “a model of positive masculinity.”

Throughout his life, Michael was a creator, and what he made was built to last. This was true for the signs dotting San Diego County that he lovingly crafted (still no complaints from the planning department). It was true for his 35-year marriage to the love of his life, Tomie. And it was true for the other relationships he built with friends, family, and neighbors. His memory and his example will carry on within all of us.

Michael passed away on May 12, 2023. He was 62 years old. Michael is survived by his wife, Tomie; his children, Jordan and Alex; his sister, Karen; and a host of loved ones throughout his community.

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