Dear Family Members of Mike, 
Mike worked with my husband, Rit, at McGraw Hill for many years, but Mike and I shared a special love of food and cooking which bonded us. Whenever we talked on the phone we talked food or movies. Once, on a visit to our house in Maine, he and I cooked lobster fra diavolo, and I loved the fact that you had to pick up the lobster parts from the sauce and eat them with your hands, sucking out the meat and slurping up the sauce. Mike also shared a favorite family recipe, eggplant, diced potatoes, tomato sauce, and I published it in my first cookbook. Called it Eggplant Mike Elia. It’s a great recipe! What a guy, keeping in touch with old colleagues regularly and with such a good heart. I miss him! ❤️❤️❤️

Sorry to learn of Mike's passing.  As coauthor of a college economics textbook (with Campbell McConnell and now, Sean Flynn), I worked with Mike from 1990 until he left McGraw-Hill for Prentice-Hall.  He was a premier "author-relations" and development editor, who became a good friend.  Mike was an Italian "foodie" who looked at me in amazement when I told him that growing up in South Dakota I was not aware of any cheeses other than Velveeta.  Can you see the look on his face?  He was an excellent skier, and I had the pleasure of skiing with him in Whistler, BC.  He hosted memorable dinners at fine restaurants at economics conferences.   On a trip to Broadway with our mothers, he invited Terri, me, and them to a favorite Italian restaurant.  It was one of the highlights of their trip.  The last time that Terri and I interacted with Mike was at a Seahawks-Jets football game in MetLife Stadium.  He had a great sense of humor, wide-knowledge, and unique editorial wisdom.  His contributions to higher education and student learning are legendary and lasting.

Rest in peace , Mike.  I enjoyed working with you at McGraw - Hill , and all our laughs and good times in NY as we worked on the 27 th floor.  Those were the days !   Godspeed my friend 
Anne Duffy

I had the privilege of working with Mike for many years as a development editor and he's one of the most talented editors I have ever had the opportunity to collaborate with. His thoughtfulness and keen sense of humor as well as that twinkle his eye were endearing to all.  Even my toughest authors respected Mike and his contributions and would request the opportunity to work with him. Mike often spoke so warmly of his family that you could tell how much he loved them. 

It was a real pleasure to work with Mike and I wish his family and friends our sincere condolences. He will be missed.

Regards,  PJ

Dear Donna, Richie, Emma, Michael and Family,
We were heartbroken to learn of Mike's passing. We will always remember him for his kindness, robust laugh and impressive intelligence. Our deepest condolences on this tremendous loss.
Much love, Michael, Madi. Jared ad Ryan

To Mary, Mike's three wonderful children, and all his family: Holly and I are saddened by Mike's passing, but have so many wonderful memories of him, all of you, and the times we've spent together. Mike and I were a professional "team" for seven years as editors (me "Sponsoring", him "Basic Book") in the Economics program at McGraw-Hill, but our friendship lasted for 30 years afterwards. We will miss his smile, his impromptu phone calls, his stories, and his news and updates about all of you. But we treasure him and are lucky to have known him. We can't come from Chicago for the visitation, but I would dearly enjoy talking with any of you (617-777-0363) if and when you have time.  We send all our love, our deepest condolences, and our best wishes as you say goodbye to a truly special man.

So sorry for your loss.  Mike was a good friend during our years at St Augustine high. And then during our various reunions over the years.    So enjoyed our many conversations, he was willing to talk about almost anything .  He will be missed.  
— Phil Mullan

My Cousin  Michael being the oldest was the Best at being the Family Historian he shared the Greatest Stories and Memories of our Family I’m sure many of you would agree .  On this recent visit to Brooklyn 12/13/2024  the above photo was taken by his grandson Richard we looked around his home and again shared a few stories with the pictures on the walls . He definitely made my day.  He surely will be missed by his beautiful  Family and friends RIP ♥️ Love Your Cousin Dominic

OBITUARY

Michael R. Elia

October 28, 1935 – January 31, 2025

Cusimano & Russo Funeral Home

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