Michael Hynes

Michael Hynes, age 68, entered eternal rest on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

Born on August 13, 1958, in Elizabeth, NJ, Michael was the son of the late John and Josephine (Wernoch) Hynes. Michael spent his childhood growing up in Elizabeth, where he graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1977. After graduating, Michael met his beloved wife of 33 years, Denise (DiSpirito). He served as a firefighter for the Elizabeth Fire Department for 28 years until his retirement in 2014.

A bright light in many people’s lives, Michael was known by many as “Hynesy” or “Hap” (short for Happy) by others in the firehouse, for always being a happy and fun person to be around. Every year, Michael would cook an amazing corned beef feast in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and was even known to wear a kilt on occasion. He was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings, but Michael would always root for the Giants when they were not playing against each other. Michael was also a very loving dad to his three dogs, Henry, Gizmo, and Daisy. Above all, fishing was one Michael’s favorite ways to spend his days.

Michael will be remembered as a proud and loving husband, brother, uncle, and friend to those whose lives he touched.

Michael is predeceased by his father and former Elizabeth Fire Department Captain, John Hynes; his mother, Josephine (Wernoch) Hynes; his stepmother, Georgine Hynes; his brother, Gregory Hynes; his in laws, Rosemary and Joseph DiSpirito.

Surviving Michael is his beloved wife, Denise Hynes; his brothers, John Hynes and his wife Laurie, George Hynes and his wife Patti; his sister, Patricia Manica and her husband Paul; sisters in law, Nancy DiSpirito, Donna DiSpirito, Kathy Rowe and husband Richie; his nieces and nephews, Jennifer, Leigh Anne, Jessica, Matt, Joey, Gregory, Ellen, Nora, Nate, and Katherine; his five great nieces and nephews; and many many friends.

Visitation will take place on Monday, September 21, 2026, between the hours of 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Flynn and Son / Koyen Funeral Home, 319 Amboy Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Friends and family may meet the following day, Tuesday, at St. Genevieve RC Church, at 11:00 AM for a funeral mass in Michael’s memory. Cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to the Tunnels to Towers charity.