Michael Urkowitz
Funeral Service: July 17, 2024 10:00 AM
Funeral Home: Gutterman’s Woodbury Chapel
8000 Jericho Turnpike,
Woodbury, NY 11797
Notes:
Michael Urkowitz
June 18, 1943 – July 15, 2024
Michael Urkowitz died after a struggle with Alzheimer’s disease on July 15, 2024. He
was widely admired for his intelligence, concern for others and extraordinary dedication
to his friends and family.
Michael was born in Bronx, NY to David and Esther Urkowitz. Although he had a
humble start, Mike worked hard and attended The Bronx High School of Science and
The City College of New York where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering and a Master
of Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of the Tau Beta Pi and Pi Tau Sigma
Engineering Honor Societies.
Mike began his career at the Gruman Corporation working on the Lunar Module
program. He was exceptionally proud to have helped put a man on the moon. From
Gruman, he took his talents to New York City Government and then to the Chase
Manhattan Bank.
At Chase, he made an outstanding career advancing to Executive Vice President for
Operations and Systems. After leading the Operations and Systems organization, Mike
became the head of Chase InfoServ International. He also led the consumer bank
integration during Chase’s merger with Chemical Bank and led the credit card business.
He retired from Chase in 2000. Throughout his career, Mike was known for using
technology in new and creative ways, advocating for diversity and mentoring new
generations of leaders.
In addition to his work at Chase, Mike served on the boards of the Depository Trust
Company, Bank Leumi USA, CEDEL, and Mastercard, and the Advisory Board for the
New York City chapter of the Salvation Army. He also served as Chairman of the
Federal Reserve Board Working Group on NewBank.
In retirement, Mike traveled with his wife, Eleanor and doted on his granddaughters. He
also enjoyed sailing on Long Island Sound. Mike was a fantastic, self-taught guitar
player. He entertained his children and granddaughters with folk songs and his
amazing ability to pick up new music.
Michael is survived by his wife, Eleanor; his son, Brian; and daughter, Denise; two
granddaughters, Emma and Taylor; and two sons-in-law, Steve and Brian.
Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery, 12 Market Street Saddle Brook, NJ 07663