ORLANDO, Fla. — The founder of the Mennello Museum of American Art, Michael A. Mennello, died Friday due to illness from COVID-19, according to the City of Orlando.
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of one of Orlando’s greatest supporters of the arts and generous philanthropists, Michael A. Mennello,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Orlando would not be the cultural city it is today without Michael’s influence, enthusiasm and investment in the arts. He has left a lasting legacy with his devotion and passion for generations to come and made our community a more diverse and creative place to live.”
Watch: 1,400 Orlando Health workers receive COVID-19 vaccines This ad will end in 15 seconds
The Mennello Museum of American Art is located near Lake Formosa in Orlando’s Loch Haven Cultural Park.
Walter Ketcham, Vice President of the Friends Board of Directors, said, “We lost a true icon in our community. The Friends of the Mennello Museum of American Art will continue our effort in supporting the museum in a way that both Marilyn and Michael Mennello would be proud of.”
Commissioner Robert F. Stuart said, “We are saddened by the passing of Michael Mennello and will continue to honor Michael and Marilyn’s appreciation of art and their love of this community.”
Watch: Coronavirus: Over 17 million COVID-19 cases reported in US
Executive Director Shannon Fitzgerald said, “As we mourn the untimely loss of our Founder, Michael A. Mennello, we remain committed to sharing his and Marilyn’s love of art through the stewardship of their outstanding American Art collection and the many gifts they generously gave to our community. Michael envisioned a bright future for the museum and we have important work to continue in honoring that legacy.”
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to express sympathy and honor Michael’s memory donate to the Friends of the Mennello Museum’s Building Our Future campaign.
Contributions may be sent to Friends of the Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 E. Princeton St., Orlando, Florida 32832 or online at https://www.mennellomuseum.org/building-our-future/.
Cox Media Group
