Michael “Mike” Stachowiak

Michael (Mike) Stachowiak of Williamsburg Virginia, formerly of the Chicago, Illinois area, died suddenly on September 27, 2023 at age 62.

Mike was the very proud father of 7 children and the most wonderful Pampy/Grampy to his 7 grandchildren. He was an adoring husband to his best friend, teenage love, and soulmate, Michelle, whom he fondly called Mick.

Mike was loved by so many and he will always be remembered for his extraordinary love and protection of his family, his love of all things hockey, Hawaiian shirts, dad jokes, music trivia, movie quotes, and his great compassion and generosity. One of Mike’s favorite things in the world was to go camping in Ruby, the name he gave the RV, with Michelle and his grandchildren. He was a devoted family man who loved nothing better than attending the kids’ sports or activities, often volunteering to coach and help run leagues. He also was an avid Cub and Boy Scout leader and chaperoned trips to Colorado and Montana. Mike was always the first to help others. He was a dedicated foster parent for 15 years who loved and cared for over 40 children. He was constantly there for anyone who needed him. Mike volunteered to be on the Employee Advisory Committee (EAC) at Eastern State Hospital and also to help coordinate fun after work events. He loved his dogs, Violet, Lily, and his puppy Lilac. His favorite things in the world, though, were spending time with his children, grandchildren, and watching TV with his wife and taking her on Friday night dates.

Left to treasure Mike’s memory are his wife of 41 years, Michelle Stachowiak, née Leimnetzer. His children, Jack (the late Janine) Stachowiak, Drew (Colleen) Stachowiak, Steven (Cierra Williams) Stachowiak, Luke Stachowiak, Alexx Stachowiak, Hannah (Marcus Rand) Stachowiak, and Shauna Stachowiak. His grandchildren, Legend Stachowiak, Jack Jr. Stachowiak, Allison Stachowiak, Atticus Stachowiak, Braden Stachowiak, Harper Stachowiak, and the late Scout Faith Stachowiak. His siblings, Connie (Michael) Karp, the late Margaret (Patrick) Lannen, the late Jack Stachowiak, and Roni (Chuck) Pfrang. His beloved Mother-in-Law, Sheila Foley aka “Pal”, Sister-in-Law, Tricia (Tim) Foley Beatty, Brother-in-Law, the late Matthew Leimnetzer. His nieces and nephew, Chelsea Foley, Sydnee (Randy Jenkins), Lucas Beatty, Foley, Tatum Foley-Beatty, Cathy (Corey) Pfrang Ingles, Chas Pfrang, and his very special Uncle Henry Hnetynka.

Mike was predeceased by his loving parents, John and Veronica Stachowiak, Father-in-Law Bud Leimnetzer, and his very special Aunt Helen Hnetynka, as well as many other Aunts and Uncles.

Mike had so many lifelong friends, but was especially close to Pete and Jill Szponder, Larry and Debbie Dobias Klich, Claudia Benda and Robert Zihala, and Denise and Nick Perna. He had many loving cousins.

Mike was most currently an IT Specialist at Eastern State Hospital where he mentored and trained patients on the job. He recently worked at Ticketmaster, Chantilly for many years. His buddies in crime at Ticketmaster and Eastern State Hospital will miss him.

Go Washington Capitals and Chicago Blackhawks!

You’ve always been the best one in your row, Mikey!

“There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.”—Gandhi

Visitation was private, but we will be holding Mike’s Celebration of Life at a date to be determined. Please email the family at whatsthebuzzhoneyLLC@gmail.com to be put on the list to be notified.

The family requests that no somber clothing be worn. Please wear Hawaiian shirts (Hawaiian skirts welcome, as well), hockey shirts/jerseys and/or hockey hats, or funny t-shirts. Bring your stories and favorite memories of Mike. Anyone who would like to, will have a chance to share.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family to help with Mike’s final expenses,  as he was the main breadwinner, may be made on Venmo to @Momof7 or Go Fund Me.

Memorials may also be made to The Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Foundation, in the names of Mike and Scout.