Obituary of Michael P. Hartwyk

Michael Paul Hartwyk, 46, passed away on May 16, 2025, at his childhood home in Turnersville, New Jersey, after a courageous battle with stage four cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer that he fought with extraordinary strength and grace. For those lucky enough to know him, Michael was a steady light: kind, intelligent, wryly funny, and utterly devoted to the people he loved-especially his daughter, Annabelle. Born on May 11, 1979, in Bay Shore, New York, Michael had a sharp mind, warm smile and a big heart from the start. He attended the University of Pennsylvania from 1997 to 2001, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology-a fitting degree for someone who paid such close attention to people, systems, and the quiet ways we take care of each other. That deep sense of empathy shaped every part of his life. Michael spent over sixteen years working in the nonprofit world, where he poured his talent and compassion into human resources. Most recently, he served as Director of Human Resources at New York City Center, a role that combined his love for the performing arts with his commitment to creating spaces where people could thrive. Before that, he worked as an Executive Assistant and Supervisor of Field Operations, roles that spoke to his calm, capable presence and his talent for bringing order to complexity. He was also a proud member of the LGBTQ community-a quiet but steadfast advocate for inclusion and equality. Through both his work and personal life, Michael helped create spaces where everyone felt seen, respected, and safe to be themselves. During his time at the University of Pennsylvania, he served as co-chair of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Transgender Awareness Days and as Secretary of the Queer Student Alliance, roles that reflected his deep belief in the power of visibility and connection. Michael was also a devoted family member, the kind who never missed a birthday party, holiday gathering, or special milestone. But Michael's most cherished role-by far-was being Annabelle's daddy. From the moment she was born on August 13, 2017, she became the center of his universe. The most profound day of Michael's life was March 20, 2018-the day his adoption of Annabelle became official. It was the day he broke through barriers as a gay man and became, fully and proudly, the parent of a beautiful daughter. Michael had smiled countless times throughout his life-at shows, with friends, during moments of quiet joy-but nothing ever matched the love and light in his smile on that day. Every walk to the park, every cozy evening reading side by side, every spontaneous dance party in the living room-they were a team. Michael poured his heart into parenthood, not as a responsibility, but as a joy. He loved the world more through her eyes, and she knew, always, how fiercely she was loved in return. Michael is survived by Annabelle and his husband, Ty Cone. He also leaves behind his father, Jeffrey; his brothers Jeff (Nicole), Bill (Tara), and Kevin (Tanya); nine nieces and nephews who adored their "Uncle Mike"; and countless friends, neighbors, and coworkers who felt lucky just to be in his orbit-including his lifelong friends Kim, Megan, and Beth, who stood by him through every chapter. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lenora, who passed earlier this year, and his much-loved dog, Roscoe. Michael found home in New York City-not just in the physical sense, but in the rhythm, energy, and culture of it all. He had a deep love for theatre and the performing arts, and rarely passed up a chance to see a Broadway show that would move him or make him think. He cooked often (and well), read voraciously (in English and French), and was always the first to laugh at a clever joke-or roll his eyes when something was unnecessarily described as artisanal. He had a keen radar for pretension and a quiet gift for making people feel genuinely seen. Michael will be remembered for his honesty, his thoughtfulness, his dry wit, and his unwavering love for those closest to him. His presence made life fuller, warmer, and more real. He leaves behind a legacy not just of professional accomplishment, but of love in action-most beautifully in the life he built with and for Annabelle. Per Michael's wishes, the family will hold a Celebration of Life on June 8, from 1 to 4 p.m., at his hometown residence (916 Howe Street, Turnersville, NJ), where loved ones can come together to honor his memory. He asked that guests wear bright colors to reflect the warmth and joy he brought to those around him. For those wishing to honor Michael's memory, the greatest tribute is this: make time for the people you love. Life can be bitterly short, and the moments we spend with family-laughing, listening, simply being together-are the ones that matter most. Don't wait. Create memories. Be present. Tell your people how much they mean to you. That's what Michael did, every single day.