Michael Elsner, 65, died Dec. 9, 2019 of pancreatic cancer.
Mr. Elsner was born to Sidney and Jean Elsner in Cleveland, Ohio, where he grew up. He graduated from the University of Arizona and earned a master’s degree and doctorate from American University. He taught sociology, criminology, and criminal justice at Howard University and Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., William Paterson University in New Jersey, and Northern Arizona University. He founded the Institute for Social Justice in Tucson. He volunteered at Primavera Foundation and CASA of Pima County, was a precinct committee member for the Pima County Democratic Party, and served on the boards of the National ACLU, Arizona ACLU, and Wingspan.
Survivors include his wife, Peggy Hutchison; brother, David Elsner and sister-in-law, Michelle Gaspar of Chicago; brother, Larry Elsner and sister-in-law, Benita Rubinett of Austin; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Teri Hutchison Issenmann and Vince Issenmann of Tucson; and sister-in-law, Patty Yates of Tucson.
An informal gathering in his memory will be held in the spring.
Memorial contributions may be made to Primavera Foundation, Mission Garden, Guatemala Medical Aid, and Acupuncture Project, or the charity of your choice.
