Michael Belenky - Obituary

r. Michael Mitchell Belenky, 80, a thirty-three year resident of Arnold, died on Saturday, April 12 at his residence. Born on May 25, 1933 in Detroit, MI to the late Michael W. and Olga Belenky, Michael graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology, from the University of Michigan Dental School in Ann Arbor, MI in 1961 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and from the Johns Hopkins University, School of Public Health in Baltimore in 1975 with a Master of Public Health degree. He served in the U.S. Army as an Artillery Officer from 1955-58 and as a Dental Corps Officer from 1961 until his retirement in 1980 as a Colonel. He served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam and his numerous assignments also included the 82nd Airborne Division, 10th Special Forces Group, U.S. Army Forces Command, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, and Headquarters, 7th Medical Command, United States Army Europe. He was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Medic Badge and Senior Parachutist Badge. After his retirement from the military, Michael was an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland Dental School, Department of Health Promotion and Policy, from 1983-2010. He was a Life Fellow of the American College of Dentists, a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, a Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, a Life member of the American Dental Association, the Maryland State Dental Association, the Baltimore City Dental Society, the American Dental Education Association, the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade Association. Michael enjoyed military history, reading and international travel. He is survived by his wife, Mary F. “Mitzi” Belenky, whom he married on January 26, 1974; sons, Michael F. (Blythe) Belenky of Alexandria, VA and Alexis J. Belenky of Arnold; brother, Dr. Walter M. Belenky of Detroit, MI and 3 grandchildren, Sarah M., Emma F., and Michael C. Belenky, all of Alexandria, VA. Friends are invited to Michael’s Life Celebration from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9pm on Saturday, April 26 at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD. A graveside service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in the name of Dr. Michael M. Belenky, Class of 1955, can be sent to the Virginia Military Institute Foundation Inc, PO Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450 or to the charity of your choice. An online guestbook is available by accessing the link at the bottom of this page.