Michael Sandlofer Obituary

Michael Sandlofer attended Sheepshead Bay High School in Brooklyn, NY. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Michael Sandlofer.

Graduation Year	Class of 1965
Date of Passing	Feb 08, 2016
About	I would like to commemorate the second anniversary of the passing of my old friend Michael Sandlofer (Captain) on February 8th. Many of you remember Mike as a rambunctious, spirited young man with a big personality. He had such a special, larger than life personality, that even two years after his passing, it hard to imagine a world without him in it. After school, Mike joined the navy and became a navy seal. He served in Viet Nam, and there are stories recounted about his heroism. After the Navy, Mike became a commercial deep sea diver. In 1976, he and the late folksinger Richie Havens founded the Northwind Undersea Institute on City Island in the Bronx. It was a hands on museum that educated young people about the plight of the environment. They also did animal rescues, and nursed ill marine animals back to health. In 1981, Mike led the successful rescue team that rescued "Physty the Whale" Mike comforted and hand fed the 21 foot young whale who had been sick and stranded in shallow water off of Fire Island in New York. He talked to the animal throughout countless hours and eventually gained his trust, enabling him to then give the whale food that had been infused with antibiotics. The whale recovered, making it the first time a sperm whale had survived an ocean rescue by man. After his recovery, Physty was released back into the water. He trusted Mike so much that he allowed Mike to ride on his back as he swam out into the ocean. Michael made subsequent whale rescues in Newfoundland and Baja California. He also helped train marine animals for the Military. He trained the first team of (animal) seals to penetrate the fuselage of a downed airplane underwater and rescue its pilot and passengers. In 1984, Mike was awarded the Rolex Award For Enterprise for inventing and later patenting a special harness that has helped safely rescue many animals without harming them physically. In later years Michael and his wonderful wife Sharon dedicated themselves to the rescue and care of many of the larger animals-Whales, Horses, Mustangs, Bears, Big Cats and Wolves. They lectured and educated young people about these animals, their place in our history and the environment. Before his passing, Mike and his wife Sharon founded The Wolf Pack Project to educate society on the importance of keeping the wolf and its habitat safe for the next generation. Sharon is still involved with this project. The only thing that surpassed Mike's love for the animals and the environment was his love for his family. He is survived by his wife Sharon, his children, his grandchildren, and his sister, Gail Sandlofer Skolsky and her family.

Classmate Memories

Message

Bob Phirsichbaum '65 said:

So sorry to hear that Mike had passed, I had spoken to him a few years back, we raised cuppies in his basemant many years ago. RIP

Comment