Born: August 15, 1951, Biddeford, Maine, USA
Died: August 22, 2019, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
Michael David “Mike” Hatt was born on August 15, 1951, in Biddeford, Maine. His life was a testament to dedication and service. Raised in Meriden, Connecticut, Michael’s journey included a distinguished tenure with the Marines during the Vietnam War.
Following his military service, Michael made significant contributions as part of the Hartford Crisis Team and later as a social worker for the State of Connecticut. In his retirement, he found solace and purpose at St. Francis House in New London, where he engaged in peace advocacy with his friend Cal.
Michael’s memory lives on through his daughters, Jessica Hatt and Alison (Nathan) Joslin; his caring ex-wife, Catherine Hatt; and his siblings, Barbara (Charles) Dziedzic, Daniel (Lou) Hatt, Cindy (Bruce) Sturgis, and Thomas (Karin) Hatt, along with many nieces and nephews.
To honor Michael’s life, a Celebration of Life was held on September 1 at St. James Episcopal Church in New London. His burial was private. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made to St. Francis House, 30 Broad St., New London, CT 06320.
Michael David Hatt’s life, celebrated on his birthday and beyond, serves as a reminder of his commitment to service and his enduring impact on those around him.
I am not a veteran. I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary. But in 1991, personal loss brought me to a place I never left.
Over two decades later, that loss led me to the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut, where I took on the coordination of Wreaths Across America — which grew into the largest and fastest growing veterans program in the state. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it for them.
In 2016 I founded the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin. Not because I served, but because I believe those who did deserve to be honored, connected, and kept alive.
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide every day. I knew about that number before it became a hashtag. I knew it personally, long before anyone was talking about it.
This publication exists because that number is unacceptable. Because every veteran in Connecticut deserves to know someone gives a damn.
That someone is me.
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