Michael E. Hadowanetz, age 77, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, at Newton Medical Center. A lifelong resident of Hamburg, Michael spent his entire life in the home that had belonged to his grandparents, a place filled with family history, memories, and a lifetime of stories. Born in Franklin, Michael graduated from Franklin High School in 1966. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969. He was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 132 in Franklin and was a former member of the Hamburg Baptist Church. For many years, Michael worked as a salesman for Northwest Building Supply in Andover before retiring. Michael was a man who found joy in the simple things and had many interests that reflected his unique personality. He loved flowers and took great pride in growing them, filling the gardens and areas around his home with annuals. He especially enjoyed giving flowers to his wife, Taralee which was a simple gesture that spoke volumes about how much she meant to him. Music was another great love of Michael’s. He especially enjoyed doo-wop, although his musical tastes could sometimes take an unexpected turn—he was also a fan of Miley Cyrus. He collected toy trains and coins and took particular interest in commemorative coins, including many marked with the years 1776–2026. Perhaps nothing revealed Michael’s heart more than his love for animals. He enjoyed feeding the animals around his home and took special care of a feral cat behind Weis Supermarket in Franklin, making it part of his daily routine to stop and feed the cat every morning and evening. It was just one of the many quiet ways Michael showed kindness and compassion. Michael is survived by his wife, Taralee (Vail) Hadowanetz, with whom he shared 37 years of marriage; his children, Sarah Hadowanetz and her partner, Mark Cerveny, of Hamburg; Michael T. Hadowanetz and his wife, Amanda D’Auria of Highland Lakes; and Andrew Vail of Port Jervis, N.Y.; and his four cherished grandchildren, Lorelai, Frankie, Malcolm, and Jasmine. Michael will be remembered for his love of his family, his appreciation for the things that brought him happiness, his devotion to his home and gardens, and most of all, the kindness he showed to both people and animals. His presence will be deeply missed, but the many memories he created will continue to live on in those who knew and loved him. Private cremation services have been entrusted to the Pinkel Funeral Home, 31 Bank Street (Route 23), Sussex. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.pinkelfuneralhome.com.