Irwin Michael Sallen

Irwin Michael Sallen, “Mike” died on April 18, 2023, in the presence of his daughters, Judith and Amy. He is predeceased by his wife Irene and his son Roy. He is survived by his children Judith, Bruce, and Amy, by his nephew Matthew Salovitz, by his grandchildren Harry and George, George’s wife Ceira, and by his children’s spouses and partners, James, Desiree, and Judy.

Mike was born Irwin Michael Salovitz in Boston on January 5, 1924. He was an excellent student, loved music and books, and grew up in the West End of Boston in a vibrant Jewish and Italian community. As a teenager, he enlisted in the US Army Air Core and served as a radio operator during World War II with the 449^th bomber group. His plane was shot down over Romania and he was the only member of his crew to survive. He was captured and spent 11 months as a prisoner of war. He was decorated with a purple heart for his service.

Mike attended Harvard University on the GI bill and majored in history. He reunited with his childhood sweetheart, Irene Shirley Freedman, they soon married, and had four children. They raised their family in Stoughton and Brookline MA.

Mike worked in education for all of his career. He started as a history teacher in the Boston Public Schools, where he was one of the first Jewish teachers hired. He then worked as an administrator. He was a popular assistant principal at the Curley School in Jamaica Plain, and a well-respected principal at the Agassiz School, now the Margarita Nunez. He was president of the BPS principal’s association and served as editor of the Principal’s Newsletter for Harvard University. He also taught religious school at Temple Israel in Boston and was an active member of the synagogue, especially in the Torah study groups.

Mike will be remembered as the writer and host of “The Fun Show,” one of Brookline cable’s longest running shows. He could often be found writing scripts in a notebook, reading several newspapers, or digging into a history book. He enjoyed playing the piano, especially Passover songs and “Goodnight Irene” for his wife. He was known for his love of slapstick, his wit, his intelligence, his appetite at the Chinese Buffet, and for a good argument about politics. His family is grateful for his long life and his many adventures.

Services will take place at 2:00 pm, Friday April 21 at the Kaminker Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury MA. Shiva will follow at the VFW, 386 Washington Street in Brookline.