Michael James Pitts

10/21/1977 - 03/08/2026

Michael James Pitts, 48, of Hampstead, MD, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 8, 2026, at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Born on October 21, 1977, in Towson, MD, he was the cherished son of James F. and Frances "Kay" Pitts. Michael was the loving brother of Elizabeth Pitts-Madonna (Carlo) and Anne Marie Pitts-Smith (Ernest); uncle of Camilla and Luca Madonna; and Emma, Nicholas, and Ryan Golnoski; and step-grandson of Iona Pitts, RN, who was also his nurse at Carroll Springs School. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Franklin and Anna Pitts, and his maternal grandparents, James and Helen Miller. Michael is survived by Troy Meyer, his "brother" and roommate for over 30 years. He is also survived by many caring uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

Michael was a special needs, nonverbal student at the Center for Exceptional Children and Carroll Springs School, where he graduated in 1999. In 1980, he was the first student between the ages of 3 and 6 in Carroll County to attend public school and ride a bus to school. Many therapists assisted Michael in reaching his potential over the years, and the family is deeply indebted to all of them.

Michael was a beloved member of the Target Community and Educational Services (Target, Inc), where he resided for 25 years. He was the impetus for the founding of this one-of-a-kind residential service for those with special needs. He will always be remembered through the McDaniel College graduate student program that was established as part of Target, Inc., to develop future leaders in the care of the special needs population. After his medical needs became more involved, Michael moved to Penn Mar Human Services, Inc. (Penn-Mar), where he resided for 17 years. He received his day services at Change, Inc., where Christine Fisher, RN, cared for him.

The family also expresses sincere appreciation to all who contributed compassionate care to Michael, including the founders of Target, Inc.-Dr. Mark Wagner, Dr. Joan Devlin Coley, Dr. Donald Rabush, Carol Rabush, and Linda Ryan; Penn-Mar, Inc. CEO Greg Miller and his wife, Terri, along with Kathy Rogers-Lang; and Penn-Mar staff, especially Michael's direct care staff - Patrick Sgro, Garrett Serio, LPN; Jonathan Serio, Jane Sentz, and Pranesch Neupane.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude for the compassionate care provided by Hopkins neurologists Dr. Harvey Singer, Dr. Gregory Bergey, Dr. Nathan Crone, and Dr. Dan Foreman, as well as the Hopkins nursing staff, especially those on NCCU. A special "thank you" is extended to Dr. Michael Albert, Michael's concierge physician.

Carroll Hospital Center ER and CCU staff; Leslie Simmons, CEO; Leigh Chapman, VP of Nursing; Anise Moledina, RN; and Dr. Ernesto Mendoza. The family is grateful to the staff at Change, Inc., Carroll Springs School, and Dr. Harry Fogel, who welcomed Michael at a very young age.

Further, the family extends heartfelt thanks to Dimensions Nursing Care and Anchor Pharmacy for providing ongoing support services to Michael. Michael loved attending Calm Acres, where he helped brush and feed horses. He was a member of the Westminster YMCA, where he participated in assisted swimming. He was known as a frequent visitor to parks, walking trails, festivals, and community activities.

Michael's smiles and hugs will be deeply missed by all, along with his furry friends. We regret if we failed to mention anyone by name, but you are all held special in our hearts for the many years of service and care given to Michael.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at Pritts Funeral Home & Chapel, 412 Washington Rd., Westminster.

Catholic Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 10 am at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 101 Church Lane, Pikesville. A luncheon will follow at Citron Restaurant.

Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to:

Calm Acres Horse Farm

3000 Rohrbaugh Rd., Hampstead, MD 21074 or to the Michael J. Pitts Endowments for DSP PennMar 310 Old Freeland Rd. Freeland, MD 21053.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at