Obituary of W. Michael Brindle

W. Michael Brindle, 70, of Lawrenceville, died Monday, July 13, 2015 at Capital Health System-Fuld Campus. Three generations of elementary band students in Hopewell Valley Regional School System learned to play music from Mr. Brindle, whose booming baritone voice filled a room like no one else’s, so much so that he needed no microphone in public--whether it be a spring band concert or for his for daughter’s wedding toast. In his spare time, Mike could be found rolling the dice in Atlantic City or Las Vegas, rooting for the Philadelphia Phillies, or devouring new books and knowledge--almost all of which he retained with an encyclopedic-like memory. He loved trains, and was an experienced cruiser and traveler of the world with his devoted wife of 46 years, Jean Ann Brindle. Mike was born in Trenton on May 21, 1945 to the late William Kingsley and Betty Bell (Robson) Brindle. He attended Ewing High School, and it is there where Mike first began playing the French horn. He held a B.A. in music education from Glassboro State College and a M.A. from Trenton State College. Outside of teaching, Mike was a strong advocate for teachers, leading negotiations for both the Mercer County Education Association and the NJEA. He also represented the best interests of students, serving 21 years on the Lawrence Township School Board. He is survived by his wife, Jean Ann Brindle, daughter, Janet Brindle Reddick, and son-in-law, Jay Reddick; sister, Victoria Socha; niece, Jennifer Richardson and her husband, David and daughter, Ella; niece, Christine Janutolo Hunt and her husband, Shawn and son, Ryan; and nephew, Mark. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 1 p.m. at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors, 650 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, N.J. 08648. Calling hours will be at the funeral home from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Rowan University Foundation, 201 Mullica Hill Rd., Glassboro, N.J., 08020, designated for music education.