L. Michael Hajtman, 75, of Houston, Texas passed away on August 4, 2023. Born in Bratislava,
Czechoslovakia to Josephine and Ladislav Hajtman on July 20, 1948, Michael determined at a young age
to pursue his dream of a better life in America. In 1967, he escaped communism with the help of his
cousin, Lawrence Serafin, and relocated to Erie, Pennsylvania where he was warmly received by the
Serafin family and Aunt Pauline. He graduated from Gannon University and worked for the Hayes family
until moving to Houston, Texas for a business opportunity.
In Houston, Michael met his wife, Sandra, and they wed on July 26, 1985. The week before, he went to
work for Mr. Albert Herzstein, who became his lifelong boss, mentor, and friend. Michael faithfully
served with the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation for 38 years, becoming President after
Mr. Herzstein's death in 1997. He poured himself into every aspect of the foundation to ensure
Herzstein's legacy carried on. Michael often told his daughter, "Love what you do, and you will never
work a day in your life." This was true for Michael. Numerous board members, the George W. Strake
family, the Richard Loewenstern family, the Nathan Topek family, among many others, were much more
than business associates; they were dear friends. The Herzstein Foundation exists to support free
enterprise, strengthen families, preserve heritage, educate individuals and communities, and provide
second chances. Michael loved to say that he got to give money away for a living, who could ask for
anything more.
Michael was passionate about so many things. He enjoyed sailing, tennis, traveling, people, and the
pure enjoyment of life. As one who grew up under communism, he never took the ideas of freedom,
education, or happiness for granted. Every day was a good day. Anyone who had the privilege of
meeting Michael was quickly welcomed by his warm hospitality, Martini Hour, the best steak in town,
"dessert sausage," and a smile.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Josephine and Ladislav, and sister, Marienka.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Sandra, his daughter, Laura Hearn (John), grandchildren,
Trey, Sarah, Hannah, Abigail, Joshua, bonus daughter, Danika Viteri (Pablo), grandchildren, Valentina,
Sofia, Skyler, Peter, Lexi, and sister, Anna Sallem (Rabah), numerous nephews and nieces, and his work
family, Richard Pennington, Renee Masaryk, Kara Boleyn, Kristina Gantz, and Ludek Koleckar.
Services will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 6622 Haskell Street, Houston, TX 77007, on Friday,
August 11 th at 11am, followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to
Sailing Angels, The Grand Galveston Opera House, or The Galveston Railroad Museum.