Michael Barry Slater

Michael Barry Slater passed away on December 18th, 2021 at the age of 74 in Sacramento, California, after a year-long illness from multiple myeloma. He was at home surrounded by those who loved him. Born in the Bronx to Sydell Rosen and Harry Slater on October 27th, 1947, Michael received his bachelors degree in history from Southern Connecticut State University. After several years teaching, he was offered a position at the Bulova Watch Company, which led to a 40-year career in jewelry sales. Michael's various jobs took him on the road, from New York to Arizona to California. It was during this time that he made life-long pals with whom he continued to meet for food and spirits.

Michael, also known to friends and family as Mikey, is remembered by all as a New Yorker to the core, a fun-loving jokester whose quick wit made everyone laugh. Michael loved cooking, traveling, watching sports - he was a devoted Yankees fan, enjoyed writing poetry, connecting with friends and family, laughing with his grandchildren, and dining with his wife. Music was one of the most important parts of his everyday life, and he particularly enjoyed listening to the Beatles, the Eagles, big band music, and Carly Simon.  Michael had a penchant for remembering pop culture details, song lyrics, and jokes which he would re-tell during any occasion, bringing smiles and laughter to us all.

Michael leaves behind wife Cary Spatz, daughter Dena and her husband Corey, and two grandchildren in Sacramento; son Jordan and his wife Nicole, and three grandchildren in Arizona. He is further survived by his sister Linda Cutler Goldstein (New York); nieces and nephews Andrew, Sisa, Harry, Ricky and AJ Cutler (Florida) and Jody and Richie Bittner (New York); cousin Penny Rosen (North Carolina); friends and family living from coast to coast. He is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Courtenay Slater, cousin Ronny Rosen and the best brother-in-law ever, Jerry Cutler.

Michael's life was beautifully long and painfully short. We will forever hold him in our hearts and will keep his humor with us to honor his memory.