Michael A. Periatt

Michael Aaron Periatt, 34, passed away on Jan. 16 at his home in New York City. Born on Oct. 15, 1991, in Milford, Ohio, Michael lived a life marked by dedication to service, intellectual pursuit, and deep love for his family and community.

There are some people who spend their first few decades waiting for life to begin. Michael was not one of them. He traveled, he wrote, he earned multiple degrees, he fell in love, and his humor colored everything. Life, for him, was an adventure from the start, and his was full and impactful.

Michael graduated from Moeller High School in Cincinnati - and he would not let you forget it. His love for his alma mater was rivaled only by his adoration for Montgomery Inn ribs and sports in general.

Ever the athlete, Michael grew up playing and watching sports of all kinds. He remained an enthusiastic supporter of Ohio State football and basketball, and often donned shirts or ballcaps evidencing his affinity for the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Browns. He attended his favorite teams' games as often as he could.

Michael's interests stretched well beyond sports. He adored dogs, loved to read and was rarely at rest - there was too much to explore. He was a dedicated runner, completing marathons and half marathons. He enjoyed dissecting impactful legal opinions and interesting news stories, and discussing them with friends.

Michael pursued a bachelor's degree in journalism at Ohio State University. While there, he worked at The Lantern, the student newspaper, as assistant sports editor and later as managing editor. He traveled the country covering OSU - from New Orleans to Nebraska. Michael was fluent in the language of sports, and it reflected in his writing. Under his tenure, The Lantern was repeatedly named best student newspaper in Ohio.

Michael embodied journalistic ethics and held a strong sense of justice. His viewpoints were thought out and researched. When he had an opinion, you stopped and listened. He once led the Lantern newsroom on an eight-month quest in search of the best pizza near campus - a declaration so profound did not come lightly.

It's no wonder then, that he decided to pursue a Juris Doctor at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He achieved it, of course. There was little Michael tried that he did not accomplish. And it was the right choice for more reasons than one - it was there he met the love of his life, Maya Jacob.

Michael and Maya were best friends. They loved to adventure together, traveling to Paris, London, Barcelona, and all around the U.S. Their relationship was not a sedentary one: They loved to play tennis, hike, bike, and explore.

They built a life together, moving to New York City after graduation. Michael began practicing law as an associate attorney in the litigation department for Zabel, Schultte and Roth. And he cheered on Maya as she grew her career in immigration law. The two supported each other's goals and became a strong team. Their humor - of the goofy sort - brightened their days. They were married on a sunny spring afternoon in New York, on April 20, 2024.

Michael was also the cherished son of John and Lynn Periatt and beloved grandson of Carol Shrader. His family circle extended to many relatives and friends who were touched by his warmth and unwavering loyalty.

For Michael, nothing was more important than the people around him. He would light up when he saw a friend, his resulting grin infectious. He was deeply kind, avoided holding grudges and was never condescending. He invited people into his life and made space for them.

His passion for education and social impact led him to join Teach For America after college, where he taught school for two years in Dayton. It was his interest in education reform that drove him to law school, with hopes of pursuing a career in education policy.

In honor of Michael's commitment, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Teach For America (teachforamerica.org) or the Dayton Food Bank (thefoodbankdayton.org).

Michael was preceded in death by his grandfathers John C. Periatt and Morris Van Vooren; grandmother Cecelia Van Vooren; and uncle Eric Van Vooren.

Michael's legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and unwavering integrity. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Andrew Catholic Church 551 Main St, Milford, OH 45150. Burial will follow. All friends and family are encouraged to attend a luncheon at Cincinnati Distillery Gallery, located at 203 Mill St., Milford, Ohio 45150 (second level with elevator access).