Michael David Aroner

Michael David Aroner was born on June 23, 1949, in Los Angeles, California, to Edith Roth Aroner and Joseph L. Aroner. He grew up with his two older sisters, Diane and Melody, in the San Fernando Valley. He often shared stories of his childhood spent on a chicken farm in Pacoima. Between Temple Beth Torah (which his family helped found), friends, and family, there was always something happening at the Aroner household when Michael was growing up. While in elementary school and junior high, Michael met lifelong friends, including Harley Goldstrom and Steve Saxon. Many of these friends worked alongside Michael during high school in his parents’ medical laboratory. During their free time, Michael and friends would frequent the family’s ranch near Parkfield, California. Time at the ranch contributed to Michael’s love of the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. During college, Michael spent two semesters abroad on the Semester at Sea program through Chapman College. Traveling around the world and experiencing other cultures helped fuel his lifelong interest in helping other people. For example, while in Africa, Michael was asked to play Santa Claus — a perfect job for a Jewish kid! Michael was happy to take on the role to help bring smiles to the kids’ faces. Making people laugh came naturally to Michael, and he always had amusing stories to entertain family and friends. Michael met the love of his life, Susan Day, in Northridge, California, in 1971. They were married six months later, on December 31. The couple first lived in Encino and then settled in Northridge in 1979. Their daughter, Amber, was born in 1973, and their son, Joseph (Joe), was born in 1976. Michael was a true entrepreneur — he owned various businesses before settling on a career in real estate and land development. He worked for many years alongside his friend, Steve Saxon, at MASS Development, while also owning a mortgage company and Sunshine Realty. Despite working hard, Michael always made time for his family and the community. He was active with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, going on numerous camping trips. Michael also donated his time to the LAPD Volunteer Reserve Police Force, helping widows of officers with financial planning. Michael volunteered for CASA, helped feed the homeless with Echo, built wooden toys for kids for the holidays, and donated countless hours of time to Temple Beth Torah, Temple Ahavat Shalom, and Congregation Ohr Tzafon. Of all these activities, he was most proud of his time with the LAPD, and he received the Volunteer of the Year award several times. When he wasn’t working or volunteering, Michael loved spending time outdoors. He built an amazing garden and spent many hours tending his plants and fruit trees. He was famous for his cobblers and pies, and he shared his garden’s bounty by leaving bags of tomatoes and squash all over town for others to enjoy. Michael also continued to travel extensively. He took many fishing trips to Mexico and Alaska, and hunting trips to the ranch in Parkfield, often bringing friends and family along. He and Susan traveled extensively in the US and overseas, including a memorable trip to Israel with Amber and family in 2019. The whole family also took trips each summer to places like Alaska, Lake Tahoe, and Sunriver (Oregon). On these family trips, Michael was always up for river rafting, kayaking, beer tasting, or whatever adventure the kids and grandkids wanted to do. Michael and Susan spent the past 18 years in Paso Robles, California. During this time, Michael’s favorite thing was being “Papa” to Noah (2005), Ari (2007), Beatrice (2014), and Albert (2018). His silly, goofy nature made him a natural with all the grandkids, and he would do anything to make them happy. He also spent time in his garden and woodworking, making toys for disadvantaged children and beautiful cutting boards. He was active at the local senior center, where he played bridge each week, and he was involved in many projects at Congregation Ohr Tzafon in Atascadero, such as the installation of stained-glass windows in the sanctuary this past May. Michael passed away from cancer on July 14, 2023, with Susan, Amber, and Joe by his side. He is survived by his wife, Susan, of 51 years; daughter, Amber, and son-in-law, Bryan; son, Joe, and daughter-in law, Erin; grandchildren, Noah, Ari, Beatrice, and Albert; sister, Diane Shultz, and brother-in-law, Jay; brother-in law, Mitch Katz, and sister-in-law, Meredithe; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Michael will be missed beyond measure by all those who knew and loved him. May his memory always be a blessing.