Michael Thomas Hackbarth

1952 - 2022

Michael Thomas Hackbarth was born on Feb. 29, 1952 in Hartford, to a family that would be incapable of raising him and five other siblings. While his siblings were raised in an orphanage, Michael was fostered through the system having met his adoptive parents, Harold and Flora (Thomas) Hackbarth of Avon.
Throughout Michael's life of growing up, his parents had encouraged him to keep contact with his biological siblings. Michael understood the biological siblings were also victims and grew to understand diversity, humility, and continued love for all.
Michael grew up in Avon playing clarinet for the St. Matthew Lutheran Church band and played on the high school basketball team. After graduation, Michael joined the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the USS AMERICA (CVA-66) during the Vietnam War. His commanding officers noted Michael as being strong in leadership, respectful and though quiet, his friendly attitude gained the respect of his shipmates.
Michael left the Navy for home in 1974 when his father unexpectedly passed away, so that he could help care for his younger brother, Harold Jr., and mother. One year later he met his future wife Nancy, and Michael's mother married her neighbor of more than 50 years, Paul Farken. Paul was the best stepfather and friend to Michael until his passing in 2005.
Michael and Nancy would raise two beautiful daughters and in later years he would become not only his daughters' dad, but the first man his "girls" would love and their best friend. Michael raised his daughters showing them love, kindness, compassion, and a strong male role model figure. Family was everything to him. Later Michael would become "Papa" to six grandchildren whom he loved and adored.
Michael became active as a Commander for the American Legion Seicheprey Post 2 and held his position for several years and was also assistant chairman for the Bristol Veterans Council when the start up for the memorial brick walkway began. Veterans and their needs were especially important to Michael as he assisted in bringing gifts for families of veterans at Christmas for a number of years, planting flowers in cemeteries, placing flags on veterans' graves and raising funds for veterans' grave markers so they could be with proper recognition for their service.
Michael passed away on Feb. 22, 2022 after a brief illness with his wife of 46 years, Nancy, and daughters Melissa and Stephanie by his side. We have no doubt Michael entered the gates of heaven. He loved our Lord and Savior and lived a life with a kind heart, a do no harm attitude, and would always "help a brother out."
Left to grieve Michael's passing is Nancy, his wife and soulmate; his children, Melissa Cartier and life partner Michael Valentine, and Stephanie Morin and husband Jeremy Morin; his beloved grandchildren, Jeremy Morin Jr., Brianna Morin, Rachel Cartier, Katherine Cartier, Samuel Cartier, and Michael Valentine; his brothers Harold Hackbarth of TN, and Willie Polzun and wife Linda of KY; his honorary brother and best friend Bob Kryszak; as well as several nieces, and his beloved dogs Winnie, Cooper, and Chance.
Family and friends are invited to call at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. Burial will be private in Peacedale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Michael's name to the Chapter 5 Bristol DAV (191 Riverside Ave Bristol, CT 06010), an organization of your choice which helps the veteran community, or the CT Humane Society (www.cthumane.org). To visit Michael's memorial website please visit www.FunkFuneralHome.com