UPDATE 10/6/2024: Funeral services for the Honorable Michael J. Stamm will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Solomons, beginning at 9 a.m.
Drivers in the area may experience heavier-than-normal traffic on Route 4, especially near the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge. Please allow extra travel time and drive with caution in the area. Police will be assisting with traffic control/escort.
UPDATE 10/4/2024: The Honorable Michael John Stamm, County Administrative Judge, St. Mary’s County Circuit Court, 7th Judicial Circuit, 68 of Hollywood, MD passed away on October 2, 2024 at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown, MD with his loving family at his side.
He was born on August 31, 1956 in Cornwall, NY to the late Paul J. Stamm and Margaret (nee: Moran) Stamm. In 1974, Mike graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in Newburgh, NY and then moved to St. Mary’s County where he attended St. Mary’s College, graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in History. In 1983, he earned his Master of Arts degree in education and human development at George Washington University. In 1990, he earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law.
Mike taught with St. Mary’s County Public Schools at Spring Ridge Middle School and Esperanza Middle School from 1978 through 1990. Before joining the judiciary, Mike also worked in private law practice and in the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Office. While working as a teacher he met the love of his life, Mary Ann, whom he married June 22, 1985 at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Solomons, MD. Together they celebrated over 39 wonderful years of marriage.
Anyone who knew Mike would say he had the gift of gab. He loved people and loved to talk to them, ask them questions, offer help, and advice. He loved to travel; his most recent adventure was in Ireland which was something he had always wanted to do. “I want to visit the Motherland,” he would say. Mike loved to read (always more than one book at a time) and was a very avid user and supporter of St. Mary’s County Public Library. Mike had a strong sense of commitment to his community and volunteered in various capacities his entire life. He also loved music, movies, gardening, household “projects” of any kind and would tackle just about any DIY task. You could always count on Mike showing his newest endeavor to anyone who would take interest. Mike knew all the delivery people by name as his zest for ordering from Amazon was like a hobby. If you mentioned you needed an item, he would be on his Ipad searching for it within minutes. His favorite fall pastime was watching the New York Giants football games with his family and friends.
Mike’s greatest passion was his family and he would take any opportunity to show how proud he was of them through his pictures, stories, and conversations. In the last five years, his topic of choice was his beloved granddaughter, Natalie, who had “PopPop” wrapped around her finger!
In addition to his beloved wife, Mary Ann, Mike is also survived by his sons, David Michael Stamm (Lilia) of Washington, DC and Kevin Matthew Stamm of San Diego, CA; his brothers: James Edward Stamm (Linda) of Hollywood, MD, Robert Francis Stamm of Bethesda, MD, Christopher Paul Stamm (Mary) of Merrill, WI, his granddaughter, Natalie Stamm, and a grandson arriving in December 2024, along with many extended family and friends.
Family will receive friends on Monday, October 7, 2024, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Our Lady Star of the Sea, 50 Alexander Lane, Solomons, MD 20688. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Robert Kilner at 1:00 PM. Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 and St. Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen, P.O. Box 144, Lexington Park, MD 20653.
Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.
St. Mary’s County is mourning the passing of Michael J. Stamm, County Administrative Judge of the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court, 7th Judicial Circuit. Judge Stamm, who had served as County Administrative Judge since March 19, 2018, passed away this week, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to the legal system and the community.
Judge Stamm’s legal career spanned several decades. He began as an Associate Judge for the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court in 2006, before being elevated to the position of County Administrative Judge in 2018.
A leader in juvenile justice reform, Judge Stamm was the presiding judge of the Juvenile Drug Court Program since 2006 and was a dedicated advocate for problem-solving courts.
Over his career, Judge Stamm held numerous prominent roles within the Maryland judicial system. He served on the Problem-Solving Courts Committee from 2008 to 2014 and was a member of the Legislative Committee of the Maryland Judicial Conference. He also chaired the Juvenile Law Committee and was an active member of the Judicial Council’s Joint Work Group on Human Trafficking and Equal Justice Committee.
Judge Stamm’s passion for justice extended beyond the courtroom. He played a vital role in shaping policy for juvenile services as a member of the State Advisory Board for Juvenile Services. His service on the St. Mary’s County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council and the Juvenile Justice Reform Council highlighted his commitment to supporting vulnerable populations.
Born in Cornwall, New York, in 1956, Judge Stamm made St. Mary’s County his home after completing his education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in 1978, followed by a master’s degree in education and human development from George Washington University. Before entering the legal field, Judge Stamm served as a teacher with St. Mary’s County Public Schools from 1978 to 1990 and worked part-time as a real estate agent.
Judge Stamm’s legal journey began with a law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1990, followed by his admission to the Maryland Bar. He built a private practice before joining the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, where he served as Deputy State’s Attorney from 1999 to 2006.
Beyond his legal contributions, Judge Stamm was deeply involved in the community. He served as president of the St. Mary’s Youth Lacrosse Club and volunteered with organizations like Christmas in April and the State’s Attorney’s Project Graduation Program. As an adjunct professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Judge Stamm was recognized for his excellence in teaching, earning the Undergraduate Instructor of the Year award in 2001-02.
Judge Stamm’s passing marks the end of a remarkable career and a life committed to justice, education, and public service. His leadership, compassion, and dedication will be remembered by his colleagues, students, and the countless lives he touched throughout St. Mary’s County. He is survived by his family, friends, and a community that will feel the impact of his loss for years to come.
