Michael J. Harbadin

Obituary of Michael John Harbadin

Michael John Harbadin passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, while residing at Sycamore Estates in Duquesne. Born in Braddock on Christmas Day 1951 and raised in Forest Hills, Michael was the son of Michael J. Harbadin and Mary (Trovato) Harbadin Sapienza. Michael, also known by his stage name Buster Maxxwell, was a multi-talented writer, director, producer, singer, songwriter, physical comedian, and actor who worked in every facet of the local and national entertainment industry for nearly 50 years.

He began honing his prodigious skills while attending Churchill High School, where he excelled in graphic arts, fronted rock bands, co-founded a touring improv group, and began scripting and producing original stage works at the age of 16. While attending Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication he was heavily involved in radio production, working as a DJ, program and music director, and on-air interviewer. Michael would go on to work as a DJ, copywriter, and production director for Pittsburgh's WYDD-FM and WAMO-FM stations between 1976 and 1986.

In the mid-1980s, Michael and actor/mime Dan Kamin formed the highly-successful Musical Komedy Company (later named Industrial Strength Comedy) and spent 15 fast-paced years performing their original "new vaudeville" productions, "corporate theater" events, and "comedy concertos" for international companies and arts organizations all over the country. Independently, Michael wrote, produced, and starred in many productions commissioned by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO), the Toledo Opera, the Gargaro Theater, and the Rockwood Opera House. His paramount production was "Rockenstein: A Monster of a Musical", which he wrote with former PSO Conductor Andreas Delfs.

After years of intensive physical training, Michael created and toured "Silent Motion Pictures", a one-man show of original silent comedy. His slapstick impression of Charlie Chaplin for a "new vaudeville" review resulted in his engagement by the Chaplin estate as their official impersonator. He was also a skilled "singing impressionist" and impersonated Sammy Davis, Jr. in his own "Pittsburgh Rat Pack" group, as well with "Bo Wagner's Rat Pack," with their 10-piece swing band.

Michael played a critical scene with Russell Crowe for his 2015 "Fathers and Daughters" film. In the independent 2012 feature "Since I Don't Have You" he portrayed Joe Rock, the famous lyricist of the title track, and manager of Pittsburgh's legendary Skyliners vocal group. Michael also performed in hundreds of commercials and corporate films as a voice-over and on-camera talent.

Michael is survived by his brother, William (Jean Chamberlin) Harbadin of State College, nephew Bill (Mary) Harbadin of Forest Hills, nephew Nicholas Harbadin of Pittsburgh, nieces Diane and Stephanie Chamberlin of CO., great-niece Hannah, and special friends Jennifer Rempel of Wilkinsburg, and Dana Spiardi of Homestead.

A celebration of Michael's life will be announced at a later date. His family respectfully suggests memorial contributions be made to Great Friends, c/o Dan Kravetz, Chairman, 9133 Riley Way, Irwin, PA 15642 or gdkravetz@gmail.com. Or PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/GQYD2WWQYG92A

Arrangements are with Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., East Pittsburgh,

(412) 824-8800.