03/13/2026
It is with heartfelt sadness that we share the passing of Michael Pitts, a cherished member of the Penn-Mar family for many years.
Michael’s journey within our community began in 1984, supported by Greg and Terri Miller during their time at Target Community & Educational Services. He later became part of Change, Inc., and in 2009, he joined the Penn-Mar family, where he continued to be an integral part of our community.
Michael's Program Manager shares: "I had the privilege of working with Michael over the past year and a half and getting to know him personally. During that time, I was fortunate to create many fond memories with him—including receiving a few of his famous hugs. I witnessed the deep, tender connections he shared with team members and his family. Michael formed a close bond with everyone who worked in his home. He loved to hug and gaze into their eyes, which was his way of expressing admiration and connection. One especially beautiful moment stands out from a visit with his mother, Kay. Michael would continuously lean into her, simply soaking in her love. It was a powerful picture of pure, unconditional love. These are the moments I will carry with me for years to come."
Several team members also shared their own memories of Michael:
“Working with Michael wasn't 'just a job.' Michael was a bright light in this world, always ready to greet people with a smile and a hug. He thrived being out and about, interacting with his community and soaking up the attention of everyone who stopped to say hello to him. He openly showed his love for his family and his staff, always reaching out to them, hugging them, and humming to show his happiness at being around the people he cared about. Michael's smile was infectious, and I know that I looked forward to going into work every day just to see it. Being able to watch him enjoy every single thing we did, watching him make friends everywhere he went, was the highlight of my day.”
“One thing I will always remember is his smile and the way he would hum. Those small moments brought warmth and comfort to the days, and they will stay with me. I am grateful for the years I was able to spend with him. Rest peacefully, Mike. You will be remembered.”
“Mike always knew how to light up a room with his smile and his eyes. Mike is a loving, compassionate, and caring man that did not have a mean bone in his body. He would show love to all he would meet. I will never forget the first time I supported Mike in the middle of the night; he got on his knees and started jumping up and down on the bed . . . I laughed so hard. Mike never judged people for what they looked like, he loved everyone for who they were. Mike is going to be missed so very much.”
“I loved Michael’s smiles. He had the best smiles. When his parents came to the house to visit, his face would light up beyond the moon and have a gigantic smile. You couldn't help but to smile and laugh yourself. Their interactions were so pure. His face said it all, and he would keep leaning in to both his mom and dad for hugs. Seeing that was amazing. He is loved by all and will be missed terribly.”
Michael has touched so many lives with his sweet disposition and kindness, which radiated from him. Please keep his family, friends, and team in your heart.
Arrangement details can be found here: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/carrollcountytimes/name/michael-pitts-obituary?id=60987657
