Michael Scott Hobyak

Michael Hobyak, 67, of Radnor, Pennsylvania, passed away suddenly on October 22, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of love, generosity, determination, and a life lived to its fullest.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, to Beverley and John Hobyak, Michael moved with his family to Radnor, Pennsylvania, in 1969. He attended Ithan Elementary School, Radnor Middle School, and Radnor High School before continuing his education at the University of Delaware, where he was a proud brother of Sigma Nu fraternity and a member of the wrestling team.

Wrestling was one of Michael's greatest passions and perhaps the earliest example of the extraordinary determination that would define his life. After a difficult freshman year of high school wrestling, marked by more losses than victories, Michael refused to give up. Through sheer will, discipline, and an unwavering belief in himself, he went on to achieve an extraordinary winning record over the following three years, transforming himself into an exceptional wrestler. That same fighting spirit stayed with him throughout his life. His philosophy was simple: Never Give Up. No matter the challenge, the circumstances, or the odds, Michael approached life with courage, perseverance, and an unshakable determination to succeed.

Following college, Michael returned to Radnor and began working alongside his father at Pennco Tech, the technical training school John founded in 1973. Over the decades, Michael became a driving force behind the school's growth and success, helping transform it into a nationally recognized institution with campuses in Bristol, Pennsylvania, and Blackwood, New Jersey. Along the way, he founded and developed several other successful business ventures.

Yet Michael's greatest professional accomplishment was never simply the success of a business. It was the people whose lives he touched along the way. Through Pennco Tech, he helped generations of students build meaningful careers and created opportunities for hundreds of employees, many of whom became far more than colleagues. Michael cared deeply for his people. He believed in them, supported them through difficult times, celebrated their successes, and treated their challenges as his own. His loyalty and generosity knew few limits, and the love and respect he gave so freely were returned to him many times over.

Michael was truly larger than life. He possessed an extraordinary curiosity about the world and an infectious enthusiasm for everything he loved. A passionate student of history, he had an incredible knowledge of historical figures, civilizations, cultures, and events. He loved traveling the world, exploring places of historical significance, collecting rare antiques and artifacts, and discovering the stories behind them. He was equally at home exploring a historic landmark as he was relaxing on a beautiful, peaceful beach, surrounded by the people he loved most.

He was an avid golfer, a lifelong sports enthusiast, and a passionate lover of music. Michael had an encyclopedic knowledge of his favorite musicians and artists, and was himself a talented, though characteristically modest, guitar player. Among his most cherished memories were the countless hours spent playing guitar alongside his son Colin on the drums, sharing their love of music in a way that words could never fully express.

As remarkable as his knowledge, accomplishments, and interests were, it was Michael's heart that made him truly unforgettable. He had an unmatched sense of humor, a contagious laugh, and an incredible ability to make those around him smile. He could fill a room with his presence, captivate an audience with a story, and make someone feel like the most important person in the world simply by giving them his time and attention.

Michael was generous beyond measure, not only with what he had, but with who he was. He gave his time, his knowledge, his encouragement, and his love without hesitation. Whether helping someone through a personal hardship, offering guidance, sharing a laugh, or simply being there when someone needed him, Michael had a remarkable way of making people feel valued, supported, and loved.

Above all else, Michael loved his family. His children and grandchildren were an endless source of pride and happiness, and the time he spent with them was among his life's greatest treasures. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend whose love, strength, and presence will be deeply missed.

Michael was preceded in death by his beloved eldest son, Colin Hobyak, who passed away in December 2024. Their shared love of music and the extraordinary bond they held will forever remain a cherished part of their family's memories.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Ryann Hobyak; his son, Jason Hobyak, and daughter-in-law, Fiona Hobyak; his grandchildren, Hudson, Harper, Finnley, Poppy, Luke, and Landon Hobyak; and his former wife, Lisa Hobyak.

Michael lived with passion, loved with his whole heart, and never stopped giving of himself to others. He was a man of remarkable strength, boundless curiosity, and extraordinary generosity. To know Michael was to love him, and to be loved by Michael was a gift that will never be forgotten.

His legacy lives on not only in everything he built and accomplished, but in the countless lives he changed, the people he inspired, and the love he leaves behind.

A funeral service celebrating Michael's life will be held Friday, November 6th, 2026, at Wayne Presbyterian Church in Wayne, Pennsylvania. Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at the Great American Pub in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made Peter’s Place; A center for grieving children and families (petersplaceonline.org), or the ASPCA (aspca.org).