Michael Kirk Hammaker

August 16, 1951 – April 29, 2025
Michael Kirk Hammaker, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Woodbridge, Virginia on April 29, 2025, just days after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. He was 73.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in Goochland County, Virginia, Mike was a true Virginia gentleman-gracious, principled, and deeply rooted in family, faith, and community. He was the eldest of three rambunctious brothers, Jeff and Karl, and treasured summers at the beach in Sandbridge. He was a brilliant and high-achieving student, earning a full scholarship to the Collegiate School ('69), Princeton University ('73) and University of Virginia Law School ('76).
Mike was a gifted lawyer, building a successful career in corporate litigation, and served with the US Department of Justice for over 20 years. He met the love of his life, Cate, on January 17th, 1992, and celebrated the anniversary of their first date for 33 years. He raised his children, Janie and Michael, to live with integrity, to work hard and to make every day the best-always with the reminder to "save your money" and avoid anything extraneous (advice his children lovingly ignored). He made sure his family knew they were loved beyond measure.
In 2014, Mike was diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS), a rare neurodegenerative disease that slowly took away many of his physical abilities. With a lot of love, support and care from Cate, Mike stayed active and continued to keep up with friends near and far over email (some for more than 50 years!); led the "Online Disciples" community within his beloved church, National Presbyterian; and managed the family finances. The crosses he had to bear were significant, but he never gave up his faith or hope-a true testament to the strength of his character.
Mike was preceded in death by his dear son, Michael Francis Kirk Hammaker, and his parents, Jacqueline Price and Wilbur "Kirk" Hammaker. He is survived by Cate and Janie; his stepmother, Brenda Hammaker; his brothers, Jeffrey and Karl; and a wide circle of extended family and devoted friends who will continue to celebrate his legacy of love and faith.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the National Presbyterian Church, 4101 Nebraska Ave NW, Washington DC, on Wednesday, May 7 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).