Michael Robert Langowski

Michael Robert Langowski, 73, of Frisco, NC, threw the buoy one last time on October 6, 2025. He passed away peacefully on his skiff in the Pamlico Sound admiring his last catch.
Mike was born July 13, 1952, in Jacksonville, FL, to George Robert Langowski and Ruth "Libby" Elizabeth O'Connor Langowski.
His childhood was spent in Virginia Beach where he ultimately found his love for the water. Mike graduated from Lake Taylor High School where he was an exceptional swimmer on the school swim team. Mike was drawn to Hatteras Island in his early teens where he would often skip school to go surfing. In 1971, he moved to the island to establish his roots. When reality set in and "the Polack" realized, his longboard was not going to pay the bills, he soon discovered a new passion: commercial fishing.
Despite some local resistance, he persevered and became respected as a commercial fisherman on the island. He began as a gill netter, then a pound netter, a beach hauler, and eventually found his niche as a mullet fisherman. Mike helped pioneer the fish cleaning business on Hatteras Island, earning the name "Mike the Knife" for his skill and speed fileting fish. In addition to fishing and fish cleaning, Mike also took pride in salting cowhides, working as a deckhand on a dredge boat, and lending a helping hand to numerous friends around the island.
In 1974, Mike found a new love, and it came in a free spirit named Marta Ames. The two were married in 1975, where they were committed to making a life on the island that brought them so much joy. In 1979, their first son Ryan was born, and they bought a house in Frisco for their growing family. Together, Mike and Marta worked diligently to provide and had their second son, Bennet, in 1986. While surfing and fishing were Mike's passion, his family was his life. He was quick to drop what he was doing and take the boys surfing. Mike was a friend and father figure to countless "Hatteras Hoods." He loved them as if they were his own. As a devoted father, Mike took the time to instill the skills and tools his sons needed to embrace Hatteras for what it is, but his selfless act of giving is the greatest attribute they received.
After leaving his mark on Hatteras, Mike was bound for the West Coast. He moved to Catalina Island, CA, where he cherished spending time with family and making new friends. Mike was employed by the Catalina Island Company where he had a vital hand in restoring the aging casino building. He later became part of the LA Projectionist Union serving as head projectionist at the Avalon Theatre, which was still using equipment from the 1930's. To get his fill of the sea, Mike captained a tender vessel bringing cruise ship passengers to the Avalon Pier. He also owned a small bottom fishing boat where he targeted sand dabs and sea bass to sell to the local restaurants. The island left a great impression on Mike, but after the death of his father, he decided it was time to move back to VA to take care of his mother, which he did with unwavering love.
Upon returning to VA, Mike picked up right where he left off: pound netting, haul seining, and circle setting mullet. He bought and restored an old cottage in Poquoson, a small fishing town on the Chesapeake Bay. Like any small town, the locals had their reservations, but it did not take long for Mike's knowledge of fishing, willingness to help, and master net hanging skills to ease their skepticism and gain their respect.
Mike found companionship in Laura Jordan, who over the past 25 years has loved him for who he was, nursed him back to health on multiple occasions, and supported him through the ups and downs of commercial fishing. She was his favorite first mate, partially because he did not have to pay her. Mike treasured the countless fishing adventures with Laura and their two grandsons. She was his anchor through it all and the family will forever be grateful for her love and dedication.
Looking for a slower pace, Mike returned to Hatteras Island to be with his sons and grandchildren. He enjoyed joking with the boys, doting on his only granddaughter, and giving them way more sweets than necessary. Mike was immediately embraced by his old friends and the mullets who feared him. Family, friends, and fishing were the driving force in Mike's life. His uncanny devotion to grit, simplicity, and resilience will forever be ingrained in those that knew him.
His net has been set for the last time, but the legacy of his hard work, knowledge, and selflessness lives on in the hands of the next generation. He will be greatly missed but his journey is complete. He is in a safe harbor, where the water is always calm and the net is always full.
Remaining to cherish Mike's memory are his devoted partner, Laura Jordan; two loyal sons, Ryan Langowski and Bennet Langowski (Carly); six beloved grandchildren, Reid, Hunter, Declan, Judah, Adah, and Ezra; four siblings, Gail Crawford, Brian Langowski, Jeffery Langowski, and Lisa Hamilton (Chad); four nieces and nephews, Ian Crawford, Ashley Felgar, Sarah Hanson, and Wesley Langowski; and the Bucks County cousins, Babs (Jeff), Beverly, Bernie, Debbie, John, and Terri.
Mike was preceded in death by his loving parents George and Libby Langowski.
Please join the family for a Celebration of Life on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at The Hatteras Civic Center at 1:00 pm.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael, please visit our floral store.