Michael William Stamm passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 17, surrounded by his loving family. He was 73.
Michael Stamm, 73, passed away July 17. His wake will be on July 29, and his funeral on July 30.
Mike was born on Nov. 5, 1947 in Oak Park, Illinois to Robert and Jeanette Stamm, the last of six children.
It was during his high school years that Mike developed his passion for music of all kinds, particularly jazz. He frequented the best jazz clubs in Chicago with his parents. Mike often said that while his father did not teach him how to fish or shoot a basketball, he did teach him how to tip a head waiter.
College was spent at Villanova University followed by earning a master’s degree in political philosophy from the New School in New York City, then a degree from Rutgers Law School.
Mike and his wife, Cyndy, met while in college and were married for 52 years. They moved from Brooklyn Heights to Darien in 1981 to raise their family.
Mike was a lawyer in the New York City area for over 30 years. Most recently, he was general counsel at Remedy Partners, enjoying the challenges of a growing company.
He looked at the world through a lawyers’ eyes, with a strong sense of justice and a set of principles that guided his professional and personal life. He was a keen debater and conversationalist, with a quick wit and an eye for a good turn of phrase.
While Mike was a lawyer by day, in his heart he was a jazz drummer. He loved live music and was an avid supporter of musicians of all kinds. For over 25 years he could be found drumming every Sunday during the summer in the breezeway at the Tokeneke Club.
Mike was also passionate about good food and cooking up wonderful meals and memories for his family and friends.
In addition to being a member of The Tokeneke Club for over 30 years, he was also a proud member of Costco Price Club.
Mike is survived by his wife, Cynthia Stamm; his three children: Michael Stamm and his wife, Annabelle; Vera Musicaro and her husband, Doug; and Peter Stamm and his wife, Preston; as well as six grandchildren: William, Mike, Delilah, Henry, Amelia, and Emmett, all three years old and under. They brought him so much joy over the past years. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Jane Joslin, and was predeceased by his other four older brothers and sisters.
Family and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 29, at the Lawrence Funeral Home
A service in celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, July 30, at St. John Roman Catholic Church in Darien, followed by a reception at The Tokeneke Club.
Please consider making a donation in Mike’s memory to The Jazz Foundation of America in support of the Musicians’ Emergency Fund.
— an obituary from Lawrence Funeral Home, where online condolences may be left