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Harold Thomas Michels
Manhasset, New York
December 27, 1940 - March 20, 2025
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Harold Thomas Michels Obituary
Harold (Buddy) Thomas Michels
December 27, 1940 – March 20, 2025
Harold "Buddy" Thomas Michels was born on December 27, 1940, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, two months premature. A fitting beginning to a life that would never waste a moment. Buddy had an unwavering drive to stay busy and productive, always making the most of his time - a habit that defined his entire existence. He was the only child of Helen and Harold M. Michels and, although he had a challenging childhood, he always credited his maternal aunt, Delia Walsh, for offering much-needed love, care, and guidance.
After graduating from Flushing High School, Buddy worked full-time at ConEdison while attending the City College of New York at night for 3 years before transferring to full-time to complete his degree in 1965. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering - becoming the first in his extended family to attend college. His academic journey continued as he was awarded a Department of Defense fellowship to pursue a Ph.D. in Metallurgy & Material Sciences at New York University. His doctoral research, focused on mercury hardening of alloys under the mentorship of Professor Irving Cadoff, earned him a Ph.D. in 1970. Along the way he also completed a Professional Engineering License in Mechanical Engineering.
Harold’s career spanned two successful and dynamic paths. He began at Inco Limited in 1970 as a Research Metallurgist at their Sterling Forest Research Laboratory. Over the years, he co-invented several patents for nickel-containing stainless steels and rose through the ranks: Program Manager-Market Development (1975–1980), Sales Manager-Foundry Industries (1980–1984), Vice President of Venture Capital (1984–1989), Director of Strategic Planning (1989–1998), and concurrently, President of the La Que Center of Corrosion Technology, an Inco business unit (1990–1998).
In 1998, Inco moved its corporate offices to Toronto, but Harold, choosing not to disrupt his family - particularly his wife Corinne’s career, decided to retire. True to form, his retirement was short-lived! In 1999, he joined the Copper Development Association as Vice President, eventually rising to Senior Vice President of Technology and Technical Services (2008–2013) and Advisor to the President (2014).
During his time at the CDA, Harold spearheaded groundbreaking research on antimicrobial copper. His research demonstrated that bacteria die quickly when in contact with copper alloy surfaces, including the bacteria that cause hospital acquired infections. A paper published in 2013 showed that the placement of six objects made from antimicrobial copper, covering about 10% of the surface area in a medical ICU, resulted in a reduction of hospital acquired infections by 58%.
Harold organized a team to facilitate the use of copper alloys in public spaces to control the spread of infection in hospitals, schools, transportation facilities. This work is still ongoing and has the potential to benefit public health worldwide.
Harold officially retired in January 2014 but continued consulting, founding Alloy Applications and contributing to various projects, including one for the Canadian Coast Guard. Over the course of his career, Harold published 74 works - 64 journal articles, 3 book chapters, and 7
conference reports - with over 4,000 citations, cementing his legacy as a thought leader in his field.
In January 1964, Buddy married Corinne (née Anthony), and together they celebrated 61 years of love and partnership. In 1976, they moved to Manhasset, NY, where they raised their two children, William J. Michels and Catherine M. Alonzo. The couple was blessed with five grandchildren: Lindsay A. Michels, William M. Michels, Alexander T. Michels, Lilly A. Alonzo, and Luke H. Alonzo.
True to his nature, Buddy kept a busy, full life outside of work as well. He loved sailing and served as Commodore of the North Shore Yacht Club. He was an avid photographer and camera collector and enjoyed running (including completing the New York City and Long Island Marathons), fishing, antiquing, keeping tropical fish, and creating stained glass. Over the years, he and Corinne traveled extensively - together visiting six continents (they never quite made it to Antarctica) and well over 50 countries. Their adventures were as much a part of Buddy’s life as his career, and they created countless cherished memories along the way.
Harold passed away peacefully of natural causes on March 20, 2025, surrounded by family.
He was blessed with an exciting life filled with love, adventures, and memories that Corinne, family, and friends will cherish forever.
Buddy leaves behind a legacy of accomplishments, a close-knit family, and a spirit of adventure and humor that will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have crossed his path.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital
Harold (Buddy) Thomas Michels
December 27, 1940 – March 20, 2025
Harold "Buddy" Thomas Michels was born on December 27, 1940, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, two months premature. A fitting beginning to a life that would never waste a moment. Buddy had an unwavering drive to stay busy and productive, always making the most of his time - a habit that defined his entire existence. He was the only child of Helen and Harold M. Michels and, although he had a challenging childhood, he always credited his maternal aunt, Delia Walsh, for offering much-needed love, care, and guidance.
After graduating from Flushing High School, Buddy worked full-time at ConEdison while attending the City College of New York at night for 3 years before transferring to full-time to complete his degree in 1965. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering - becoming the first in his extended family to attend college. His academic journey continued as he was awarded a Department of Defense fellowship to pursue a Ph.D. in Metallurgy & Material Sciences at New York University. His doctoral research, focused on mercury hardening of alloys under the mentorship of Professor Irving Cadoff, earned him a Ph.D. in 1970. Along the way he also completed a Professional Engineering License in Mechanical Engineering.
Harold’s career spanned two successful and dynamic paths. He began at Inco Limited in 1970 as a Research Metallurgist at their Sterling Forest Research Laboratory. Over the years, he co-invented several patents for nickel-containing stainless steels and rose through the ranks: Program Manager-Market Development (1975–1980), Sales Manager-Foundry Industries (1980–1984), Vice President of Venture Capital (1984–1989), Director of Strategic Planning (1989–1998), and concurrently, President of the La Que Center of Corrosion Technology, an Inco business unit (1990–1998).
In 1998, Inco moved its corporate offices to Toronto, but Harold, choosing not to disrupt his family - particularly his wife Corinne’s career, decided to retire. True to form, his retirement was short-lived! In 1999, he joined the Copper Development Association as Vice President, eventually rising to Senior Vice President of Technology and Technical Services (2008–2013) and Advisor to the President (2014).
During his time at the CDA, Harold spearheaded groundbreaking research on antimicrobial copper. His research demonstrated that bacteria die quickly when in contact with copper alloy surfaces, including the bacteria that cause hospital acquired infections. A paper published in 2013 showed that the placement of six objects made from antimicrobial copper, covering about 10% of the surface area in a medical ICU, resulted in a reduction of hospital acquired infections by 58%.
Harold organized a team to facilitate the use of copper alloys in public spaces to control the spread of infection in hospitals, schools, transportation facilities. This work is still ongoing and has the potential to benefit public health worldwide.
Harold officially retired in January 2014 but continued consulting, founding Alloy Applications and contributing to various projects, including one for the Canadian Coast Guard. Over the course of his career, Harold published 74 works - 64 journal articles, 3 book chapters, and 7
conference reports - with over 4,000 citations, cementing his legacy as a thought leader in his field.
In January 1964, Buddy married Corinne (née Anthony), and together they celebrated 61 years of love and partnership. In 1976, they moved to Manhasset, NY, where they raised their two children, William J. Michels and Catherine M. Alonzo. The couple was blessed with five grandchildren: Lindsay A. Michels, William M. Michels, Alexander T. Michels, Lilly A. Alonzo, and Luke H. Alonzo.
True to his nature, Buddy kept a busy, full life outside of work as well. He loved sailing and served as Commodore of the North Shore Yacht Club. He was an avid photographer and camera collector and enjoyed running (including completing the New York City and Long Island Marathons), fishing, antiquing, keeping tropical fish, and creating stained glass. Over the years, he and Corinne traveled extensively - together visiting six continents (they never quite made it to Antarctica) and well over 50 countries. Their adventures were as much a part of Buddy’s life as his career, and they created countless cherished memories along the way.
Harold passed away peacefully of natural causes on March 20, 2025, surrounded by family.
He was blessed with an exciting life filled with love, adventures, and memories that Corinne, family, and friends will cherish forever.
Buddy leaves behind a legacy of accomplishments, a close-knit family, and a spirit of adventure and humor that will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have crossed his path.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital