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In Memory of Michael A. Kahn

In Memory of Michael A. Kahn

Michael A. Kahn, 91, of Key Biscayne, FL, passed away peacefully on August 13th, 2024, at his home in Key Biscayne. Michael was born to Morton and Lillian Kahn in the Bronx, New York City on October 29th, 1932. After the depression, when his parents lost their livelihoods and savings, his father started and ran a candy store, and his mother worked for a renowned urban planner. Michael went to Brooklyn Technical High School, daily taking many subway trains from the Bronx to do so, graduating in May 1950. He also became an Eagle Scout. After high school he attended Union College in Schenectady, New York, graduating as a philosophy ma- jor in June 1954.

In June 1954, Michael started his professional career at General Electric when he entered a management training program and began his family life when he married Priscilla Katzeman. Post-management training he was sent to run GE plants in Vermont, Indiana, Tennes- see and Illinois.

Michael and Priscilla had three daughters Karen, Lisa, and Amy be- fore their marriage ended in divorce. Post-divorce Michael became a globe-trotting GE executive and troubleshooter travelling the world to India, South Africa, Southeast Asia, and Hong Kong to improve GE manufacturing facilities. He was also instrumental in implement- ing the first large scale just-in-time inventory system and introducing computer systems throughout GE. After years of travelling the world Michael became the president of GE Colombia and the president of Caterpillar for all of Latin America.

While at GE Colombia, he transitioned the management from all North American executives to primarily local executives. He also was the first non-Colombian to chair the Bogota Chamber of Com- merce. Outside of work, Michael met Gloria, who became his wife of

46 years. This marriage brought with it four stepchildren Gonzalo, Patricia, Jorge (now deceased) and Ernesto.
In 1984 Michael and Gloria retired to Key Biscayne which was the site of their honeymoon. Thus began a chapter of their lives together rich in civic contributions and family life. Soon after moving to the island Michael joined and later became president of the board of the Casa Del Mar condo association, serving for more than 30 years, most of which as president. In addition, Michael was deeply active in civic affairs, playing key roles as he aided greatly in the Village of Key Biscayne incorporation, supported and campaigned for mayoral and council candidates, participated in efforts to build the Communi- ty Center, and helped preserve the land for what became the Village Green, advocated for Key Biscayne hosting the “Lipton” pro tennis tournament, and many other endeavors beneficial to the Village. In the center of the Village Green there is a New York City chess table with a plaque commemorating his and Gloria’s many contributions.

Michael found time to play daily morning tennis matches with friends, walk on the beach with Gloria to The Lighthouse for lunch, to swim and do “pools” regularly, and enjoy visits from his many be- loved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Morton & Lillian Kahn, his brother Peter B. Kahn and his stepson, Jorge Jaramillo. Michael is survived by his beloved wife Gloria, his children, Karen (David), Lisa (Rick), Amy (Peter), and stepchildren Gonzalo (Marta), Patricia (Rodrigo), Ernesto (Fulvia) as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

There will be a private memorial service. Those wishing to honor Michael are invited to make donations in his name to the Key Biscayne Community Foundation (www.kbcf.org 305-361-2770).