Mikhail Bratslavsky

Born in 1938 in Kiev, Ukraine, during a time of hardship and uncertainty, he learned early the values that shaped him forever: work hard, appreciate what you have, and put family first. He became a highly respected Chemical Engineer through determination and discipline and went on to work for many years in that field, proud of the career he created.

In his early 50s, Mikhail and his wife, Sophia, immigrated to the United States so their children could have greater opportunity and a more secure future. They left behind the stability they had built in Kiev and began again with limited resources. Unable to find a position in Chemical Engineering after arriving, Mikhail returned to the skills he learned in his youth working in a shoe factory. He opened a small shoe repair shop, and it became a part of a broader family effort in which everyone worked, adjusted, and contributed.

It was in that shoe repair shop that he rediscovered his artistic talents. During quiet hours, using scraps of leather and materials brought in for repair, Mikhail began creating three-dimensional leather sculptures. What began as experimentation developed into a vast body of work numbering in the thousands, pieces filled with memory, humor, symbolism, and emotion. After retiring from the shop, he devoted more time to art, exhibiting locally and bringing joy to many, who found the pieces striking and deeply personal.

Mikhail was endlessly curious. He read widely, explored history, art, and science, listened to music and lectures, watched films and documentaries, and was eager to share whatever he found meaningful with his family. His enthusiasm for learning remained central to who he was.

Above all, family was the center of everything. Mikhail and Sophia were together for more than 60 years, their partnership defined by love, devotion, and sacrifice. Their children and grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy. He cared deeply about the details of their lives, always listening, always asking questions, always wanting to understand who they were and how they were growing. His belief that “everything comes from childhood” reflected his compassion and his desire to understand people fully and generously.

Mikhail is survived by his beloved wife, Sophia; his son Aaron and daughter-in-law Inna; his daughter Ellen and son-in-law Craig; and his cherished grandchildren Danny, Annie, and Henry. He will be deeply missed by extended family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched with his resilience, curiosity, and kindness.

Services will be held at 12:00Noon Tuesday, December 2 at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel 1985 S. Taylor Rd., Cleveland Hts., Interment Mt. Sinai Cemetery. To view this service, please scroll down to the Services Section and click on “JOIN LIVESTREAM”.