Michael Burditt Cadwell, son of John and Mary Cadwell, died peacefully on August 9 after a long illness.
Michael enjoyed an idyllic childhood on the family farm in Pittsford and attended Otter Valley Union High School ’70, Williams College ’74, and the Yale School of Architecture ’81.
He then worked for the firms of Turner Brooks, Cesar Pelli, and Wiemann and Lamphere. There followed scholarly pursuits in architecture at The Ohio State University, where he spent 31 years, eventually becoming Director of the Knowlton School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Planning before retiring in 2020.
Michael published widely, most notably with his books Small Buildings and Strange Details.
He was awarded Fellow of the American Institute of Architecture, and fellowships to the American Academy in Rome, the MacDowell Arts Colony, and the Woodstock Art Colony.
Throughout he was lovingly supported by his wife Jane Murphy, his son Gus Murphy, his dog Manny and his brothers: Ashley, Steven, Jared, Alden, and Jason. Michael is also survived by his brothers’ partners – Louise, Joe Levine, Katherine, and Deb – as well as daughter-in-law Leila and children and grandchildren: John Alden, Christopher, Isaac, Celia, Parker, Katharine, Eliza, Asher, Delilah, Jack, Alden, and Liv.
Michael was blessed with a full and rich life. He enjoyed guitar playing, skiing, soccer, and triathlon. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with Jane and Gus and his extended family gatherings in Maine and Vermont. There was love and laughter.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pittsford Village Farm or the Vermont Community Foundation.
