Michael J. Hajjar Jr.

Michael Joseph Hajjar Jr., age 88, passed away peacefully at home on November 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on July 11, 1937, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Michael lived a life defined by service, hard work, humor, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 5, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the American Legion, 11204 Park Ave. S., Tacoma, WA 98445. A light lunch will be available. This will be a casual gathering for family and friends to honor, cherish, and share stories about Michael's remarkable life.
Michael proudly served 26 years in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. His distinguished military career included roles as Structural Superintendent, First Sergeant, and Loadmaster, as well as Vietnam-era service. He was highly decorated, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with seven Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Oak Leaf Clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, multiple Good Conduct Medals, and many technical certifications and commendations. Michael embodied duty, discipline, and pride in service.
Following his military retirement, Michael moved to Washington and began a second career with the City of Tacoma. For 20 years, he served as the Tacoma Dome Maintenance Chief, retiring on April 19, 2003. Reliable, practical, and known for "getting the job done," he took immense pride in keeping the Dome running smoothly and supporting countless events behind the scenes. His leadership, work ethic, and steady presence were respected and appreciated by all who worked with him.
Michael earned his State High School Equivalency Certificate from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1975 and later completed two associate degrees-an Associate of Business and an Associate of Arts & Science-a reflection of his lifelong commitment to learning and personal growth.
In his personal life, Michael was hardworking, dependable, funny and sarcastic in the best way, generous, protective, practical, and a devoted father and grandfather. He loved woodworking in his shop, fixing up the house, and repairing anything that needed it. He treasured spending time with family and his closest friends, the Wagners. He enjoyed watching Westerns, Star Wars and other sci-fi movies, and cheering on the Boston Red Sox. Some of his happiest retirement memories were spent with the Buck-in-a-Half Club, camping in his RV at group gatherings, and during trips to Canada-especially at his Whiski Jack Resorts in Whistler, B.C.
Michael served on the Executive Board of the American Legion in Tacoma and found joy in helping friends and family locate the things they needed, whether it was a car, furniture, or tools. Generosity was at the core of who he was. He supported numerous charities and believed deeply in using his hard-earned money to help others rather than letting it go to waste. Throughout his life, he quietly gave to organizations that aligned with his values, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, The Carter Center, many other charitable causes, and the Democratic Party, which he believed helped support vulnerable communities. His giving spirit was steady, intentional, and heartfelt.
Raised Catholic and educated in a Catholic school by nuns, he carried a quiet, steady sense of faith throughout his life-spiritual rather than ceremonial.
Michael was previously married to Bette, mother of his three daughters, and later divorced from Diane. He was loved and cherished deeply by his family and many close friends.
He is survived by his daughters Lezly Grace Hughes and Lori Katheryn Spivey (Terry); grandchildren Daniel "Deven," Jared, Levi, Ayla, Shalay, Kyle, and Brandon; sisters Jacqueline Ressler (David) and Pricilla "Bunny" Erban (Robert); and nieces and nephews Bobby, Mike, Tony, Dana, and Jessica.
He was preceded in death by his stepdaughter Lisa Lynn Booker (and her husband Jerry), his parents Beatrice "Grace" Hicks and Michael Joseph Hajjar Sr., his brothers Anthony "Tony" Hajjar and Garnett "Guy" Hajjar, and his first wife Bette Lynn Rooney.
He will be cremated and interred at Fir Lane Memorial Park in Spanaway, Washington.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion or to a charity of your choice, in honor of Michael's lifelong dedication to helping others.
For any questions, please contact Lezly at 206-380-6402 or Lezly6402@gmail.com.