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Armstrong, Michael Francis, of Manhattan, died on October 17, 2019 at the age of 86. Michael was much beloved by friends and family, and he will be sorely missed. He is survived by his partner Gretchen Siebel; three daughters: Margaret (Alex Weiner), Deirdre Armstrong and Joanne (Robert Brandwood); eleven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two sisters: Elizabeth Streeter and Mary Spitzer; and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his cherished wife, Joan (Brennan) their children Catherine and Michael, and his sister Susan King.
Michael was born December 14, 1932, to Joseph and Mary Armstrong of Bronxville, New York. Michael was a graduate of Yale University and Harvard Law School, Michael served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force before embarking on his remarkable legal career. He began his work in public service as Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York, where he was Chief of the Securities Fraud Unit. He later served as Chief Counsel to the Knapp Commission (investigating corruption in the New York City Police Department), District Attorney in Queens County, Counsel to the New York Urban League and Chair of the New York City Commission to Combat Police Corruption. Michael also had an extensive white collar criminal practice, serving as defense counsel and conducting corporate investigations in many high-profile cases. Michael's memoir, They Wished They Were Honest, was published in 2012.
A memorial service will be held at Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel, 1076 Madison Ave., NY, NY. On: Tuesday, October 22 at 11:30 AM. Visitation will be Monday, October 21 from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. A celebration of Michael's life will be held at The Harvard Club at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Michael's memory to the Uveal Melanoma Research and Gift Fund at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, in honor of Richard Carvajal, M.D. Checks can be made out to the "Trustees of Columbia University" and in the memo line "IMO Michael F. Armstrong". They can be sent to: 516 West 168th street, 5th Floor New York New York 10032-4103, Attention: Rebecca Solinsky Columbia University Irving Medical Center Office of Development."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Frank E. Campbell – The Funeral Chapel.
November 15, 2019
Joel Aronstein
My Condolences
October 24, 2019
Katherine Siebel Kunhiraman
I loved that he loved my stepmother Gretchen Siebel, and they shared a very warm relationship. Our visits were always filled with great conversations about a variety of earth-shaking subjects, of course, and he allowed me to share as an equal, despite his very fine intellect. Such a warm person.
October 22, 2019
Sharon McCarthy
Mike was a great man and a wonderful mentor to me and many others. You had to be on your toes when talking to Mike, because he challenged you to be your best self. He was one of a kind, and I will miss him greatly.
October 22, 2019
Robert Khuzami
Mike was a wonderful man, a gentleman with great wisdom. I tried a case against him, and we became friends, and he was always a delight to talk to.
October 22, 2019
Paul Ford
I was privileged to work with Mike as Associate Counsel to the Knapp Commission. Mike was a person of great character and determination. He was determined to shine a light but equally determined to do so fairly and to conduct hearings mindful of their extrajudicial nature. In most cases being right is ten percent and being effective is ninety percent. Mike was both and the Knapp Commission had a lasting effect on civil society in New York City. He was a hero to me.
October 21, 2019
Robin Jacobson
October 21, 2019
Peter Carter
Michael was one of a kind. Exceedingly generous, outstanding and passionate advocate, consummate story teller, and model grandfather to Michael, Spencer, Jamie and Grace (and the Weiner and Brandwood kids). The world is less interesting without Michael. Condolences to the family and Gretchen.
October 21, 2019
Larry Schwartz
Michael Armstrong - RIP
Sincerely,
Larry Schwartz
October 21, 2019
John Bartels
He was a wonderful friend and my hero at Law School and in the U.S. Attorney's office. We stayed friends for many years after. Pure integrity and honor-very generous, warm personality. God he was smart, fun, and giving. A lot of former AUSAs will miss him, as will I.
John Bartels
October 21, 2019
David Bicks
Extraordinary gentleman of great wit and acumen. Wise counselor. Never too busy to help a friend.
October 21, 2019
Michel and Anne Spitzer
Condolences to Michael's family and friends. What an extraordinary life and legacy.
October 21, 2019
richard levine
I had the opportunity to work with Mike at a law firm. He was compassionate, fun, very bright, and a role model to many younger attorneys. Always a pleasure to be with.
October 20, 2019
Georgia Candiotti
Georgia Seymour Candiotti (Mr. Armstrong's secretary for many years).
10AM, Georgia, Georgia. I run into his office, What's happening? He says, There is a mouse climbing up the wallpaper (grass textured) behind the couch. I said, What do you want me to do? And he says Get it. I said I'm not going to get it, you get it. My mind raced who could I bring into this situation and it came to me; Fred Parnon. I went down the hall and quickly explained to Fred what was going on and asked if he could please help. He immediately sprung into action. It was winter and he had his leather gloves in arms reach. We went back to the office and Fred captured the mouse and then brought the mouse down to Broadway to let him go. This was only one of the many amusing and really fun encounters we had over the years. Gambling in Puerto Rico, dancing the night away with the whole office at holiday parties over many, many years (which Mike of course picked up the tab). So many laughs and tears, lots of family engagement. Love, love, love. The best times for sure. I thank him and his wife, Joan, and their family in addition to the rest of the Barrett Smith family for such a truly joyous and rich experience. Mike, may God hold you in the palm of his hands and reunite you with your loved ones in peace and joy. Forever friendship.
October 20, 2019
Friend
Brian Bruh
It was a treat to work with and for Mike when he was Chief Counsel to the Knapp Commission. Mike's integrity, dedication, loyalty and fairness in all matters was built into him. Like many others, I was proud to be able to call him a friend. I wish Mike's loved ones all the strength they require in their great loss.
October 20, 2019
John Brandwood
A privilege to have known Michael. Unfailingly kind and generous to me, a distant UK relative, and made the best martini in the Tri state area.
For all his personal and professional accomplishment,I will remember him always as a besotted parent and grandparent who was adored by his family in turn.
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21
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Frank E. Campbell – The Funeral Chapel1076 Madison Ave, New York City, NY 10028
Oct
21
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Frank E. Campbell – The Funeral Chapel1076 Madison Ave, New York City, NY 10028
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21
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Frank E. Campbell – The Funeral Chapel1076 Madison Ave, New York City, NY 10028
Oct
21
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Frank E. Campbell – The Funeral Chapel1076 Madison Ave, New York City, NY 10028
Oct
22
11:30 a.m.
Frank E. Campbell – The Funeral Chapel1076 Madison Ave, New York City, NY 10028
Oct
22
11:30 a.m.
Frank E. Campbell – The Funeral Chapel1076 Madison Ave, New York City, NY 10028
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Frank E. Campbell – The Funeral Chapel1076 Madison Ave, New York City, NY 10028
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