Michael Aaron Newhams

Michael Newhams, 58, passed peacefully with his family by his side on December 30th, following a relentless battle against declining health brought on by the long-term effects of cancer treatment he received 40 years ago. He was born February 28, 1967, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late Patricia A. Newhams and Thomas H. Newhams. Mike grew up in Norwalk, Connecticut, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology and Neurobiology from the University of Connecticut (boy did he love watching Husky basketball!) and a Master of Science degree in Education from the University of Bridgeport. Following graduation, Mike embarked on a lifelong career dedicated to education, beginning with 4 years at The Carlisle School in Martinsville, Virginia. In 1997, Mike and his wife Joan moved to Sarasota, Florida, where they made their permanent home, and where he became a member of the faculty of The Out-of-Door Academy for the past 28 years. Teaching high school science to the students of ODA, through his enthusiastic, infectious, and often humorous approach to his work he sought to instill an excitement and curiosity for science in each and every student. In fact, Mike was repeatedly told that he inspired many former students to pursue careers in the sciences. He will long be remembered by those students, both past and present, as well as his many close friends and colleagues at ODA.

The greatest joy in Mike's life came from raising his children, Kinsey and Ryan, who are thriving young adults with the same passion for life and building strong friendships that Mike enjoyed. Mike was a lifelong musician who shared his love for music with both of them as well as the ODA community at the annual Thunderpalooza talent shows. Both Kinsey and Ryan have followed in Mike's footsteps by pursuing careers they are passionate about, inspired by his love of learning and music. Mike was the epitome of a proud dad, simply elated to watch his kids grow and discover their own passions. In recent years, Mike was thrilled to be able to travel to Europe, to visit each of them during their college semesters abroad in Italy and France. Despite the challenges presented by his health issues, Mike was fortunate to be able to fully enjoy these European adventures and other trips through hiking, climbing, and touring with Kinsey and Ryan, adding to their lasting memories of him.

Mike's passion for life included forging scores of lifelong friendships that he treasured. When healthy, Mike was always on the move, enjoying life through his love of golf, boating, 6 a.m. Tuesday morning hoops with his ODA colleagues, partying with the Alpine crew, populating the infamous "Mr. Newhams student quote wall", kayaking through the Sarasota mangroves, holiday decorating (or overdecorating?) his house, and, especially, hosting his annual Dirty Santa Christmas party, where "what happened at the Dirty Santa Party stayed at the Dirty Santa Party!"

Mike is survived by his daughter Kinsey, son Ryan, and Jo Pisaniello, all of Sarasota, brother Jeff and wife Kaisa of Norwalk, Connecticut, brother Kevin and wife Sakina of Cleveland, Ohio, sister Maggie of Boston, Massachusetts, aunt Jerri Altenhof of Orange City, Florida, aunt Bobbie Knapp of Citrus Heights, California, as well as scores of extended family, great friends, and the ODA community whose lives he touched. The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many physicians and nurses who cared for Mike in recent years, especially Dr. Hakim Morsli.

A visitation will be held at Toale Brothers Colonial Chapel in Sarasota on January 31, 2026 from 9:00am to 12:00pm, followed by a memorial luncheon at 1:00pm at Grove in Lakewood Ranch.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First Tee Sarasota/Manatee at www.firstteesarasotamanatee.org.

We love you, Mike.