Meyer Jacques "Mike" Benzakein, 84, of Manheim Twp., passed away Friday, February 17, 2023. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, he was the son of the late Solomon and Rosette (Belilos) Benzakein. Mike was the husband of Beverly Jane (Smith) Benzakein, with whom he celebrated 57 years of marriage.

Of the Jewish Faith, earned his PhD in Aeronautical Engineering from Wayne State University in 1966. Mike had a distinguished career, working for General Electric as an Aeronautical Engineer and was General Manager of all Advanced Engineering programs and all Military Engines. He retired from GE in October of 2004 after 37 years. He then joined The Ohio State University as Wright Brothers Institute Professor where he served as Chair of the Aeronautical Engineering Department for 6 years. He became the Associate Vice President of Aerospace and Aviation and went on to become the Director for the Propulsion and Power Center at Ohio State University. He retired from OSU in October of 2022 after 18 years.

Mike was a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the French Academy of Air & Space, and GE Aviation Hall of Fame; he was also a fellow with the Royal Aeronautical Society and the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics.

Mike enjoyed foods of all types, especially desserts including chocolate and ice cream. He also traveled the world, both for work and leisure. He also found great interest in politics.

In addition to his wife, Beverly, he will be greatly missed by his son, Ariel Benzakein, husband of Huong, of Manheim Twp., his grandchildren Alyssa Phillips and David Phillips, and brother-in-law, Robert B. Smith of Arkansas.

Memorial Services for Mike will be held at 11AM, Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will receive guests at the funeral home from 10AM-11AM. The link to view the livestreaming service will appear below approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the service. In lieu of flowers contributions in Mike's memory may be made to HIAS , a Jewish American nonprofit organization that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to refugees.