Obituary
Guest Book
1941
2013
Dr. Michael J. Froning, age 71 of Mountain Brook, Alabama, passed away on May 1st, 2013. Dr. Froning was the Executive Director of the Birmingham Education Foundation. Prior to that, Dr. Froning served as Dean of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Education from 1999 to 2010. Dr. Froning and his wife Lyn moved to Birmingham in August 1991, so that he could implement and direct the Russell Mathematics and Science Center at the Alabama School of Fine Arts.
Dr. Froning, son of J. Fendall and Doris, grew up in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, the oldest of 5 siblings: Anne, Mary, Andrew, and Peter. He followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather to the University of Notre Dame, from where he was graduated in 1963 with a degree in mathematics. He received a Master of Arts in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University in 1964 and began his long career as an educator at Western High School in Baltimore, Maryland. He and his wife, Lyn, were married in Buchanan, Michigan, in 1964 and their two children, Michael and Sarah, were born in Baltimore.
His commitment to social justice in education for women and people of diverse cultures was profoundly influenced by his service as a public school teacher in American Samoa and Hawaii from 1968 to 1974. He returned to the Pacific Islands emotionally and physically many times throughout his life to strengthen and deepen these core beliefs. From 1975 to 1991, Dr. Froning and his family resided in Amherst, Massachusetts where Dr. Froning was a public school math teacher and department chair. His continued dedication to gender equality in math led him to pursue a doctorate in Math Education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, which he was awarded in 1990.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Lyn, his son Michael and daughter Sarah, his five grandchildren Maya, Ariel, Henry, Sophie, and Ariana, his mother Doris, his two sisters Anne and Mary, and his brother Andrew.
Visitation hours at Ridout's Valley Chapel, 1800 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209 will be Saturday, May 4, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held Sunday, May 5, at 3 p.m. at Unity of Birmingham, 2803 Highland Avenue South, Birmingham, 35205.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 14, 2013
Kip Fonsh
It is with utmost and profound sadness that I recently learned of Michael's passing. On a personal and professional level Michael set the bar for integrity and grace very, very high. He was the quintessential educator, thoughtful, insightful and masterfully creative in pursuing the solution to problems. He was an excellent teacher and an even better person. The place in occupied in our lives and I am sure in yours will never be filled. My deepest sympathies.
May 11, 2013
Sarah Froning Nodarse
To all the wonderful people paying their respects to my father, thank you. It means so much to us. We miss him so much.
May 10, 2013
Tina VanOchten
When I last saw Mike at end of March he gave me the tightest hug and looked in my eyes and said 'I love you"-I will hold that hug and his memory close to my heart forever.
May 8, 2013
Lydia Richardson Akerman
May God wrap you in His loving arms giving you His strength and His comfort during this very sad time. Mike was a very dear classmate in Kennett School the class of 59 and my heart hold fond memories of times shared
May 8, 2013
Irene Hollywood
I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Mike and very sorry for your loss. Mike was one of my classmates at Kennett High School Class of '59. I remember him fondly and it is a loss to all of the class. Deepest sympathy to all of the family.
May 7, 2013
To the Froning family. Please know that Michael will always be remembered by his high school class of 1959. God Bless, Vivian Cook Miller.
May 6, 2013
Laura Johnson
I had the opportunity to meet and work with Mike through the Birmingham Education Foundation aka ED. We had lots of early morning photo shoots and calls, but his passion for these kids was so evident. He wrote me a recommendation letter when I moved to Nashville, TN. I will never forget his help and thoughtfulness. My deepest sympathies to his family. Sending prayers.
May 6, 2013
Judy Brick
Froning Family - Truly sorry to learn of Mike's passing. He was one of the finest people I have met in my entire life.
May 5, 2013
John Moran
Condolences and sympathy to Lyn, Michael, and Sarah. Mike was an outstanding leader, educator, and friend to our school community. Thanks for his guidance to the math department in Amherst over the years.
May 5, 2013
Dear Lyn, We are so very sorry for the loss of your dear life partner. At the same time we are grateful to have known Mike and for all the good memories in Birmingham, Disney World with the grandkids and here in NJ. Always a gentleman, always good natured. To have known him is a privilege.
We miss him. Jack and Helga Spector
May 4, 2013
Putnam Middle School
May 4, 2013
Tabitha Pettus
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Ephesians 3:16-17
May 4, 2013
Crystal Nielsen
Dr. Froning was the best math teacher I ever had the privilege to take a class with. I was in his accelerated math class when I was in the 7th grade, and it was the first time that any educator had been able to make mathematics appealing and interesting. He was a wonderful teacher and a really nice man. I am very sorry to hear of his passing.
May 4, 2013
Phyllis Wyne
Mike was a great man and a confidant to me in my work. My you be comforted during this new season in your life and know that Mike is in the arms of the Almighty.
May 4, 2013
Vincy
Lyn, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We have lost a great leader, a mentor and indeed a friend! May he rest in peace.
Vincy
May 3, 2013
Maggie Davis
Lyn, My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
May 3, 2013
Sally Giglio
Lyn, Michael and Sarah,
My heartfelt sympathy to you all. Mike always put the needs of students first and contributed so much integrity and vision to the Amherst schools.
May 3, 2013
Mrs. Froning and family, Mike was truly a man of commitment. His dedication to education was evident by this actions. His work will not be forgotten.
May the peace of The Lord surround you and your family during this difficult time.
Sincerely
Mechelle Rice-Fields, Birmingham, AL
May 3, 2013
John Burruto
Lyn, Sarah and Michael, Sylvia and I offer our deepest condolences to each of you.
Mike, Wendy Kohler, Rod Tulonen and I composed the most dynamic part of the leadership team for the years we spent as colleagues in the Amherst schools. Mike was always the least perturbable, the most rational education leader amongst us. My most vivid memories of Mike as we engaged in school issues was his unwavering focus on what would be the greatest benefit to our students amongst the alternatives we faced. Sometimes we disagreed, but we did at all times do so with respect.
I believe, also, that I may speak as well for Rod Tulonen, who is unable to do so for himself.
May 3, 2013
To Lyn, Michael, Sarah, and all the Froning family I send my deepest sympathy and warm regards. Mike was a simply terrific guy who lived his passion, walked the walk as well as talked the talk. So many of us here in Amherst mourn his passing.
Wendy Kohler
May 3, 2013
Michal Grant Robinson
I feel a deep sense of personal lost. Dr. Froning certainly changed the course of my life and career. He saw the potential in people, students and teachers. An open-minded thinker when it came to people, he allowed you the freedom to feel safe in exploring your possibilities. He permitted you to be a risk-taker. Half the battle of being successful in anything is to first take the risk, to try.
My heart and prayers are with the family during this time of mourning and bereavement. I pray you find comfort and solace in the memories of the life you shared together.
May 3, 2013
Lawrence Conaway
Gone but never forgotten!
"You'll be known as those who can fix anything,restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate,make the community livable again." - Isa 58:12
Rest Mike!
May 3, 2013
Mike was a vibrant and gifted teacher, administrator, colleague, role model and friend for all of us at Amherst Regional High School for many years. My thoughts are with you and your family Lyn at this sad time. Carlene Riccelli
May 3, 2013
Jimmy Camacho
Mr. Froning was my favorite math teacher at Amherst! He was a nice caring man...he gave me the confidence and sharpened my skills so I could have results in the classroom. He was awesome with international students because patience, I never felt rushed in his classes. I can only imagine how many lives he has influenced or touched. My condolences to the Froning family during this difficult time. I will always remember Mr. Froning because he was a big influence in my life. He always treated students with respect.... My love to Sarah......
- Jimmy Camacho Class 1986 Amherst
May 2, 2013
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Birmingham Education Foundation, P.O. Box 1476, Birmingham, AL 35201.
May 2, 2013
Jan Newhoff
The world is not the same without Mike. He is sorely missed. We hold Lyn and all the family in our hearts.
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