Michael A Billig

Michael A. Billig: Editor, Writer, Beloved Father, Husband and Friend

Michael was born on the lower east side of Manhattan on July 24 1947 to Olga Sklaruk and Albert Billig. During his early years, he went to school in the NY. For elementary, he attended PS122 in Historia Queens. He then went on to enroll and finish PS242 in Brooklyn. For high school, he attended Brooklyn Tech where he graduated. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted into the US army where he served two years in Vietnam in the 25th infantry division as a Green Baret. After retiring from the US Army, he enrolled in LIU where he received his Bachelor degree in journalism…and ping pong.

As a hobbyist, Michael enjoyed a plethora of hobbies. He enjoyed fishing, meeting people, talking (a lot), traveling and various sports. Most of all, he was a die-hard Yankee fan.

Within his personal life, he played in a band called the “Clee Shays” with his brother Dennis Billig and his friends Bobby and Alan Rudowitz (Duke). He married his first wife Harriet and from that union came Faith Billig and Jarret Billig. Years later, Michael met Ruby Starks and they married on December 12th 1997. He would then remain married until his passing. They both truly enjoyed traveling and enjoying the world together.

In the professional aspect of his life, he worked several years in the publishing business. Additionally, he worked for Travel Trade as a writer and editor. Continuing his career, he worked for ICD Trade communications as a writer and publisher. At the end of his career, he worked for Real estate of NY for 20 years until retirement. Overall, he received many honors and rewards from CBS news breakers, newspapers and magazine articles.

Michael will truly be missed. Ruby will truly miss her mate and his bandmates will miss their (as he likes to call them) “grilla.” He leaves to mourn his brother Dennis, his children Jarret and Faith, his wife Ruby, his grandson Derreck and countless relatives and friends.