Obituary of Michael Francis Gries

Michael F. Gries of Warren and Harvey Cedars, NJ, born August 27, 1954, passed peacefully after a short illness surrounded by his loving family on September 25, 2016. Loving husband to Dr. Deborah Gries for 33 years, father to Michael Jr. and Sarah, brother to Patricia Condon, Steven Gries, Carol Dunn and Ken Gries and son to the recently deceased Harold F. Gries. He has been an incredible force in their lives throughout his 62 years. Likewise, he could not be more proud of their collective commitment to family in addition to the personal accomplishments of his two children. Friend to one and all, Mike often went out of his way to support those in need, including a variety of charities and most notably, Mike's, his wife's and his daughter's alma mater, Northeastern University, where he devoted significant personal time in guiding both academic and athletic programs and serving on its governing board. In 2012, he sponsored the Michael & Dr. Deborah Gries Center for Sports Medicine & Performance at Northeastern that takes a holistic approach to sports medicine, strength and conditioning. Mike was also actively involved as member of Northeastern's Trustee Development Committee, played a key role in planning the Empower Campaign, served on the Athletic Fundraising Committee, and was a frequent speaker on campus, sharing his professional expertise with students at the D'Amore-McKim School of Business. A very humble man, Michael never advertised his personal commitment to these organizations, but went to great lengths to ensure sustainable programs were in place. After college, Michael worked for the multi-national professional services firm, Ernst & Young, for 21 years attaining the level of Partner and Director for the Northeast Restructuring and Reorganization practice. Thereafter, he launched his own firm, CDG Group, as Co-Founder and Managing Member with his close friend and partner, Bob DelGenio. CDG recently celebrated its 18th year and is a testament to Mike's strength and business leadership. With over 30 years of experience in providing business and financial advice to companies undergoing complex corporate restructuring, Mike has assisted many underperforming and distressed companies and has been involved with over 100 restructuring transactions. In 2011, he was named Turnaround Consultant of the Year. Caring for his family was his number one priority, always making time for their events, interests and career choices. Whether it was taking the time to go fishing, play golf at his second home, the Plainfield Country Club, visiting the National Parks or simply sharing a funny story, he had a very engaging personality. His passion for all sports, most notably baseball, football, and hockey, made him a remarkable scholar in sports trivia. Mike was loved and revered by all as his accomplishments and success reflected the achievements that hard work, dedication and passion offer. There is simply too much to be said of a man of his caliber and quality. Simply, having more men like him would make this world a better place. He will be truly and sincerely missed. The family will receive friends Wednesday and Thursday September 28 & 29 from 6-9 pm at Higgins Funeral Home at 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069 and at a Funeral Mass on Friday, September 30 at 10am at the Church of St. Anne located 325 2nd Ave., Garwood, NJ. Interment will follow at Graceland Memorial Cemetery, Kenilworth. In lieu of flowers, donations to the National Park Foundation in honor of Michael, would be appreciated.