Louis Michael (Micky) Falkson

Louis Michael (Micky) Falkson, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Ithaca, NY, on November 7, 2020 surrounded by family including his grand pup Ollie who was gently embracing him with his paws.

Micky was born July 13, 1937 in Cambridge, MA, to Ruth and Arthur Falkson. He attended Tabor Academy during his high school years followed by Harvard University from where he graduated summa cum laude in 1959 and won election to Phi Beta Kappa. He received a masters degree from Harvard in 1962. During this 41years of teaching in the Economics department at Cornell, Micky was celebrated by his colleagues and students as an engaging and dynamic teacher. He loved the field of economics and read voraciously, even re-reading original texts in the hospital during his last weeks. He was known for initiating a discussion with a playful challenge or a riddle, and his teaching style was unconventional, thoughtful, and highly effective. Micky was a personal mentor to his students, forming close personal relationships that endured well beyond graduation. Golf and tennis were among Micky’s passions and he was considered the “heart and soul” of both the golf and tennis communities in Ithaca. He served as the president, treasurer, and captain of the Cornell Masters golf team. He was a supporter of Cornell’s tennis teams and will be remembered as an endearing character who brought club players together by arranging matches for over five decades. In enjoying his pastimes, Micky’s welcoming and colorful personality forged enduring friendships. In acknowledgement, a plaque at the Cornell Faculty Tennis Club will be displayed in his honor celebrating his indomitable and authentic spirit, and encouragement of other players.

In addition to tennis and golf, Micky enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, gardening, and dogs. He also loved cooking good food and dining out with his family. Hundreds of cards received by his family describe Micky as a kind, loyal and selfless friend, and someone who was deeply loved. Micky is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by Ellen, his dear wife of more than 60 years, and three children, Linda Falkson, Amy Rogers, and Arthur Falkson. He will also be missed by his two grandchildren, Camille Rogers and Benjamin Rogers; his brother Philip Falkson; two grand pups, Ollie and Poppy; and his poodle pup, Annie. He beamed with pride when he spoke about his family, including his cherished sons-in law Dr. Steven Rogers and Dr. Steven Gelber. The entire family will always be grateful to Jacob Gelber for his loving care of Micky in his final days. Micky’s departure from an aggressive cancer has left a profound void in so many hearts. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held in the spring at one of his beloved destinations, Moakley House at the Cornell golf course. The family will announce the date of this celebration once the pandemic allows scheduling. Donations in his memory to the Cornell men’s and/ or women’s tennis teams, the Tompkins County SPCA, or Hospicare of Ithaca are appreciated.