Michael David Kay, 53, a lifelong resident of Hackettstown, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 13, 2025, at his home. He was born in Phillipsburg, NJ on August 3, 1971, and was the son of Donald H. Kay of Wind Gap, PA and the late Patricia J. (Rembish) Kay.

Mike was raised in Hackettstown and was a graduate of Hackettstown High School with the Class of 1989 where he played baseball and football. He then earned an associate’s degree in culinary arts from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. He worked as a chef in many restaurants, food service, and food science companies. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and cooking for his friends and family. He was especially known for his carrot cakes.

He was a Boy Scout and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He especially enjoyed the monthly campouts along the Pequest River and looked forward to the summer weeks spent at the Yard’s Creek Boy Scout Reservation.

In addition to his father, Michael leaves his sister, Elizabeth Kay Amodeo and her husband Eddie of MA; his nieces Maria and Allison, his nephew Eddie H; his aunts and uncles, Susan Zuretti her husband Chuck of NY, Ellen Wood and her husband John of VT, his stepmother Sandy, and his companion Patti Gardner. He also leaves cousins and many friends. His quick wit and sense of humor will be deeply missed.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to a charity of your choice.

A graveside service will be held in June.

For those wishing to leave online condolences for the family, please visit www.cochranfuneral.com.