Obituary of Michael Laurence Lichtig

Michael Laurence Lichtig, ophthalmologist, died unexpectedly at home on June 9, 2012. He was born in Brooklyn on June 17, 1940 and moved to Rumson in 1945, He was a graduate of Blair Academy, Cornell University, and Cornell University School of Medicine. He trained at Genesee Hospital, Rochester and did his ophthalmology residency at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City. He served in the Air Force starting in 1970, was elevated to the rank of major and Chief of the Department of Ophthalmology Air Force Regional Hospital, Minot ND, but he never swayed from his very public opposition to the war, Spiro Agnew and Richard Nixon. In 1972, he opened his office for the practice of Ophthalmology in Long Branch and was later elected chairman of the department. He was of a mind that he didn't want to belong to a club that would have him as a member and was not inclined towards another term. He retired for 2 weeks in 2000 and then joined Dr. Donald MacDonald in Tinton Falls where he practiced until his death. He was a dedicated family man, exposing his children to many cultures and ideas and his wit, honesty and kindness were legend. To his friends, he was known as a lover of all cuisines as well as having a scholarly appreciation of both art and music. He traveled the world with friends and family; most recently to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. He loved animals and had rescued 2 baby groundhogs from a certain demise only days before. Dr. Lichtig, who lived in Shrewsbury, is survived by his wife of 33 years, Delores; four children and spouses, Dr. Wendy Lichtig and Wilko Eschebach of Tinton Falls, Emily and Dan Stewart of St. Augustine Florida, Kathryn D. Chayah Lichtig and Michael Crowley of Montpelier, Vermont, and Andrew Michael Lichtig and Dr. Shelley Roque-Lichtig of Orlando Florida. In addition, he is survived by 4 grandchildren: Leo Eschebach, Dylan and Lachlan Stewart, and Lila Crowley and two sisters, Deborah Lichtig of Shrewsbury and Ellen Lichtig of Fair Haven. He will also be missed by his four cats and two adoring canine companions Little Dog and Herschel Krustofsky. Funeral Services will be private. The family will receive visitors at home on Tuesday, 5-7. Arrangements were entrusted to The Franklin H. Rainear, Jr. Affordable Funeral Service & Cremation LLC. 1310 Prospect Street, Ewing, New Jersey 08638. Call 1-888-213-4090. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to: Right to Sight Ophthalmic Mission, 44 Elm Street, Millburn, NJ 07041.