Michael Anthony Session

Michael Anthony Session entered this world on November 27, 1959, at Harlem Hospital.  His parents, James Warrenton and Eloise Jean Greene, had five children, whom they showered with love.

Michael’s educational journey began at Holy Rosary Elementary, culminating in his graduation from Archbishop Stepinac High School in white plains, NY.  As a teenager, Michael often spent time in the kitchen with his mother; however, in later years, Michael confessed (with a grin) that the main reason was “My mother could not cook”. 

Upon completing high school, Michael set his sights on the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA), where he earned an Associate’s of Occupational Studies degree. However, after receiving his AOS, he humorously declared he didn’t want to spend all day in a hot kitchen under the watchful and judgmental eye of a “Gordon Ramsay” imposter. Instead, he pivoted towards a broader horizon, enrolling at Florida International University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management.

Michael put both of his degrees to excellent use by entering the Hyatt Corporate Management Trainee Program in 1982.  Michael’s leadership roles with Hyatt took him to numerous cities, eventually leading him to Chicago, where he met and married Addrienne Coleman.  The two moved frequently to new cities while Michael moved up the ranks of Hyatt.  While with Hyatt in Houston, the couple learned they were expecting and delivered a bouncing healthy baby boy.  The proud parents named him Michael Anthony Session II.  Two years later, after a move to Cincinnati, Ohio, Shawn Coleman Session was born.  In 1994, the family of four made one final move to Washington, DC, where Michael became the Food & Beverage Director for the Grand Hyatt, Washington.

Michael became very involved in the DC community.  It was through that commitment that Michael met a young man by the name of Walter Whitley.  The two became friends and grew into more; they became inseparable. In the early 2000’s, Michael and Walter were both very active in the local chapter of the 100 Black Men of Greater DC; Walter serving as the public relations Chair and Michael as events chair.  In three short years, Michael grew the organization’s annual gala into one of the most coveted events in the Washington social circuit.  Michael was also an active member of the Coalition of African American Meeting Planners and Chaine-Des-Rotisseurs, the world’s oldest international gastronomic society, founded in Paris in 1248, promoting excellence in all areas of hospitality arts. Michael was a board member for both the Dulles VA Chamber of Commerce and University of the District of Columbia, where he mentored young, upcoming culinary and hospitality students.

In 2012, the Trumpet Awards Foundation, recognizing the significant increase in African Americans in hospitality leadership positions, honored a group of general managers who had helped change the face of the hotel industry.   The “Power at the Front Door” award was created to salute black hotel general managers, including Gail Smith-Howard, Michael Smith, and Michael Session.

Michael retired from Hyatt in 2019, after 35 years of service. His final position, General Manager, Hyatt Dulles in Herndon, Virginia.  In this role, Michael strategized and facilitated the hotel’s expansion, including the Executive Meeting Center. This $15 million renovation included 18,000 square feet of new meeting space and 11,000 square feet of pre-function space. The Executive Meeting Center is LEED certified and the first Hyatt property to receive membership in the International Association of Conference Centers.

Calling upon his Catholic faith, Michael was a member of Imani Temple on Capitol Hill. The captivating Archbishop G. Augustus Stallings mesmerized Michael with his blending of traditional Catholic services with an African worship style.  Michael invited Walter to join him on his spiritual journey - both subscribing to all three components of tithing, with Michael becoming an Eucharistic Minister and a member of the lay leadership team. Both Michael and Walter shared their passion for food, community, and fellowship by frequently preparing meals for church services (including anniversaries, the Good Friday Fish Fry and High Masses) and feeding the homeless. 

Addrienne and Michael divorced in 2006.  Michael moved in with Walter and life was full of travels – frequently taking the boys to Michael’s parents' house in Monticello, NY, and visiting Cincinnati, NYC, and Atlanta.  Joey and Shawn loved coming back to DC and spending time with their two dads.  Michael and Walter also traveled to beautiful global destinations including Italy, Greece, and Turkey.  Their “814” home in DC became the center for family, friends, and loved ones to gather and the two looked forward to hosting large Super Bowl parties, Memorial Day gatherings on a grand scale and just good “old fashioned” Sunday dinners. 

Walter and Michael were married on January 1, 2020, with just a few friends and family in attendance.  At last, their love had come along.

On May 23, 2019, ‘PaPa’, ‘WaWa’ and ‘Honey G’ welcomed their beautiful, happy grandson into the world - Michael Anthony Session III  (Tre’). Being grandparents eclipsed all other joy they shared.  Watching Tre’ grow and taking on the traits and attributes of his grandfather will warm the hearts and enrich the lives of Addrienne and Walter forever.  Tre’ already loves to cook.

Michael’s soul abandoned this world’s bodily constraints and soared to be with God on January 30, 2025.  Those left in this world to cherish precious memories include his loving husband, Walter; his ex-wife, Addrienne; Michael’s two sons, Michael II (Joey) and Shawn; his daughter-in-law, Jasmine; his grandson, Michael III (Tre’); Michael’s sister, Barbara and brother, Kenneth as well as two siblings who preceded him in death (Terry and Gail); his beloved 814 family; FORAL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws; former colleagues, friends and loved ones.

Michael Anthony Session’s life was one of love, commitment, and community, and his legacy will live on through all those he touched throughout his remarkable journey. 

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