Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps, a devoted humanitarian and dedicated United Nations professional whose career spanned more than four decades in service to the world's most vulnerable people, passed away on May 18, 2026 after a long illness. He was 74. Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Gordana Stjepanovic.

Michael grew up in Southern California, making life-long friends at Bishop Montgomery High School before moving to Chicago, Illinois where he earned a Bachelor's degree in History from Loyola University Chicago. A master’s degree in history from the University of Santa Clara, and a master’s in international management from the prestigious Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, Arizona followed. His academic foundation in history and international affairs set the stage for a life of extraordinary purpose. His professional life was one of distinction, service, and purpose.

Michael served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kabul, Afghanistan from 1974 to 1976, teaching English at Lycée Habibia Secondary School and co-founding an English Language Teacher Training Program for Afghan educators — a formative chapter that illuminated his lifelong calling.

He joined UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in 1979 and spent the next several decades working in some of the world's most difficult and dangerous environments. From the boat people of Malaysia to refugee camps in Somalia, Sudan, Lebanon, and Rwanda; from the siege of Sarajevo to the aftermath of civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo; from the mountains of the Caucasus to the corridors of Geneva — Michael went where many could not or would not go.

Among his most enduring legacies is his work as the Chief of the Training Standardization Unit at the UN Department of Safety and Security from 2003 to 2012. Michael developed the foundational security training programs used by UN personnel worldwide. He built an innovative online impact evaluation system that measured not only whether staff had learned, but whether that learning made a difference in the field. He authored numerous UN publications on security management, warden systems, and working with interpreters — practical guides that helped keep colleagues safe for years after they were written.

A native English speaker, he was also fluent in French and was equally at home in the capitals of Europe and remote postings. Those who knew Michael will remember him as a man of uncommon intelligence, kind, generous and a gentle person who never backed down from the humanitarian challenges created by war or politics. He met life’s challenges with courage and grace. His friends cherished his warmth, wit, and loyalty. He loved antiques, he loved to travel, but most of all he enjoyed spending time in his beloved Carmel by the Sea.

Michael is adored and forever missed by his wife Gordana. He was her source of love, guidance, comfort and joy. He will be missed by his friends, neighbors, colleagues, and by the people whose lives were made safer and more dignified because of his professional dedication. The impact of his work, his character, and his love will endure.

A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held on July 8th, 2026, between 6 and 8 PM, at the Frank E. Campbell - The Funeral Chapel in Manhattan, New York.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Loyola University Chicago's John Felice Rome Center. Gifts may be made in the following ways:

Online

Visit the Loyola University Chicago giving portal. Under "Direct Your Gift," select the John Felice Rome Center from the drop-down menu. Please include Michael's name to have the gift listed in his memory.

By Check

Make checks payable to Loyola University Chicago, with a note directing the gift to the John Felice Rome Center.

Mail to:

Loyola University Chicago — Gift Processing

P.O. Box 4336

Carol Stream, IL 60122-4336

By Phone

Call 800-424-1513 to make a gift by phone.