I first met Mike when I was 14 and to put it bluntly, he was scary. This was the height of the Cold War, and Mike, with his thick Russian accent, stern gaze, and clearly ferocious intellect, personified the Soviet stereotype of the age. (That he hated the Soviet regime and spent years striving to escape it - this somehow didn’t diminish the fear.) And what kind of influence would I, a local NJ girl with a history of owning goats and horses and being a tetch what in pre-woke years might be called “white trash,” have on his smart and sophisticated Sasha? I knew he saw right through me.

But as the years passed and I grew into adulthood, I began to appreciate Mike and his role within the Khlyavich family. Wisdom. Counsel. Comfort. Fierce, fierce loyalty. And of course, deep abiding love. Through the years my fear transformed to admiration, respect, even tenderness, as I came to understand how his singular courage, intelligence, and determination had profoundly influenced so many lives - wife, daughters, siblings, grandchildren. A father to all. 

Mike is gone, but he remains. And now, almost forty years later, my children think Sasha is scary. And round it goes.

Любовь - как ветер: её нельзя увидеть, но ты её чувствуешь.

Love is like the wind, you can't see it, but you can feel it.

Misha’s love for his family was a force of nature.

You could see it in his eyes, how much adored his girls: Branka, Sasha, and Evie.

Mischief and love intermingled in their banter. He would chide and cajole, but always covered by this fierce love.

He was a great protector and provider. Always on the side of his family.

I know I was supposed to be scared of him. He was the tough Russian father of my best friend. But his stern demeanor never put me off. I knew how full of love he was and what and honorable man he was.

I grieve with you all at his passing. I am sending my deepest condolences. May his memory always be a blessing.  All my love.  

Любовь - как ветер: её нельзя увидеть, но ты её чувствуешь.

Love is like the wind, you can't see it, but you can feel it.

Misha’s love for his family was a force of nature.

You could see it in his eyes: fierce and tender.

Under his stern demeanor he was a cream puff for his girls: Branka, Sasha and Evie.

He loved them, teased and chided them, provided and supported them in every way. He was so incredibly proud of them always.

As my best friend’s father, I enjoyed him so much. I know he was supposed to be scary. But he never scared me!! I think because I knew what a loving and honorable man he was.

I am so deeply sorry for his loss and send my deepest condolences to the entire family. May his memory always be a blessing.


I worked with Mike on insurance issues for over 20 years.
Mike and had much in common, and had a strong mutual liking and respect for each other. Mike was the perfect client in that he fully understood insurance,  and also knew the actual construction business, a rare combination.
I will really miss Mike's conversations, and all of his insights.
I offer my deepest condolences to his family.
Chuck Weisblum

I am very fortunate that I had the honor of working with Mike over the past 5 years. He was extraordinarily kind, generous, smart, and unique. He always had a smile on his face and was able to light up whatever room he walked into. His legacy will forever live on. 

The Lehrer Cumming team  had the privilege of working with Mike for the last five years on a major residential project in Manhattan. Mike was a confidant, mentor, strategic advisor and friend to all, and our lives, both personal and professional, were better for it. 

We are deeply sad to say goodbye to this remarkable man and he will be greatly missed.

May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

Gavin Middleton



Mike was a very important mentor and a great colleague for the five years that we worked together. We often spoke about our shared love of reading, history, and Jewish culture. He was very wise and will be greatly missed. I count myself lucky to have known him. 

My deepest condolences to the Khlyavich family.  Mike was an incredible man.  I consider myself lucky to have worked with him these last few years.  During that time, he became a mentor and close friend.  I will miss his wisdom and partnership and hope those close to him will find comfort in the memories he left behind.

Thank you Mike for mentoring and challenging me, and most of all thank you  for your friendship over the past eight years. We will all miss you. My sincere condolences to Mike's whole family, of whom he was so very proud.

It is with great sadness that I write on the passing of Mikhail Khlyavich. I had the honor of working with him for over 20 years and I can honestly say that he was a true gentlemen. My deepest condolences to the entire Khlyavich family. He will be greatly missed.

My sincere condolences go out to the entire Khlyavich family.  I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mike during the past seven years.  Mike was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the whole family. May you find comfort and peace during this difficult time. 

It is with profound sadness that we say a final goodbye to our good friend and colleague. He was beloved by all at Gamma Real Estate. Heartfelt condolences go out to the entire family. 

OBITUARY

Mikhail Khlyavich

June 30, 1942 – September 19, 2022

Nevsky Yablokoff Memorial Chapels

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