Obituary of Michael W. Baumgartner

Michael W. Baumgartner, age 68, passed away peacefully December 2, 2024. Mike was born in East Orange, NJ to the late Warren Baumgartner and Joan M. Baumgartner. Mike spent his childhood and late teen years in Holmdel, NJ and his later years in Atlantic Highlands and Cherry Hill, NJ.

Mike was a 1974 graduate of Holmdel HS, a loyal member of the Township’s first graduating class, where he lettered in baseball, played football and joined in various clubs such as the skiing, fencing and spelunking clubs.

As a 1978 graduate of Trenton State College with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Mike began a career in Food Service management and held several General Manager assignments across New Jersey. Later, Mike’s love of building and hands-on work evolved into a fruitful second career as a self-employed contractor. His attention to detail and fine workmanship kept him in demand all over South and Central NJ.

An avid bicyclist for decades, Mike loved nothing more than a long ride on one of his many road bikes. Whether from Atlantic Highlands to Sandy Hook and back or along the Wildwoods’ Five Mile Beach to the boards and back, it was all Nirvana to him. Locally, Mike logged countless miles with Peddlers Shop Cycle Club friends. He participated in fundraiser rides over the years for the American Cancer Society, the ALS Foundation and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to name a few. He also enjoyed membership with the Outdoor Club of South Jersey and Fall Line Ski Club. When not biking, Mike would enjoy neighborhood walks of five miles or more; he especially loved the walk along the Henry Hudson Trail in Monmouth County.

Mike’s story would not be complete without mention of his love of Philadelphia sports, especially the Eagles and his rabid support of the Phillies. The amount of regular season, playoff and World Series games that Mike attended are too numerous to count and he of course was in attendance for the 2008 World Series game when the Phils clinched the pennant. Regardless of a winning or losing season, Mike attended games with his bag of peanuts, his scorebook and pencil and meticulously scored the entire game from the stands. Seriously…who does that?

He will be remembered for his generous spirit, easy wit and likability. He could chat with anyone and usually did. He was a loyal resident of his townhome community for decades, always ready to jump in. Whether it was neighborly support, handyman skills or a sympathetic ear, Mike was there to help anyone in need. Mike had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious, riotous laugh that everyone loved. He loved nothing more than spending time with friends, family and the love of his life, Liz. Our lives were richer for knowing him.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, Warren and Joan (McGrath) Baumgartner and a sister, Sue B. Schilling. He is survived by his life partner of 25 years, Elizabeth Layton; brother, Peter Baumgartner of San Diego, CA; sister, Jane B Hightower and brother in law Keith Hightower of Chesapeake, VA and stepmother Elisa Balestra of Cherry Hill. He is also survived by nieces Caitlin Hightower and Hayley Andrews and nephew Kyle Hightower.

Visitation will be held at 9:30 AM, Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 402 Kings Highway N, Cherry Hill NJ with memorial mass following at 11:00 AM. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date in Monmouth County NJ. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or charity of choice in Mike’s name.