Michael Verkuilen

Michael "Mike" John Verkuilen, 66, of Chapin, SC passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025, at his home with his loving wife Georgia by his side. Born August 8, 1958, in Glen Ridge, NJ, Mike was the son of Maureen Kapp Verkuilen and the late Marvin Verkuilen. He grew up in Rockaway, NJ, and graduated from Morris Hills High School, where he played football on the Scarlet Knights State Champion football team of 1975. Morris Hill football played a big part in Mike's life, with the relationships he developed during this time, which were intact until his passing.

Like his father Marv, Mike proudly worked for the Bell System/Verizon for over 40 years. When Mike wasn't working, he'd love to spend time with his children Mike, Nick, and Alexa. Mike and his children loved the outdoors and would spend time shooting, hiking, or playing golf. When they weren't outside, they loved watching football together, whether it be Penn State football or Mike's beloved Green Bay Packers. Mike cherished his children and the time he spent with them.

Mike was known as an easygoing, friendly person who was always willing to lend a hand to both friends and strangers. He was a mentor, colleague, and friend to everyone who knew him personally and during his time at the phone company. Mike continued the legacy of the Verkuilen name that his father built, and he was well known within Verizon in the NJ metro area. He cherished his long tenure and continually talked about the relationships he developed during his time with the Bell System and Verizon.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Georgia, who was always at his side and supported him through his illness and never wavered in her devotion and caregiving. In addition to his wife, Mike leaves behind his son Mike, Nick, and his daughter Alexa, all of whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by his mother, Maureen (Columbus, OH), brothers Mark (McHenry, IL) and his wife Renee, Matt (Charlotte, NC) and his wife Joanne, sisters Micki (Mt. Arlington, NJ) and Mary Jo (Columbus, OH) and her husband Jim, nephews Danny and Tommy Verkuilen, Jake and Nick Sharick, and nieces Jenna Sharick, Madeline Rice, Meghan, Caitlan, Kelly Mollahan, Jacqueline and Abigail Verkuilen as well as several great nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 12-4 pm at The Exchange, 160 East Main Steet, Rockway, NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mike's honor are welcome to be made to Lorenzo House: https://lorenzoshouse.org/donate/.

Lorenzo's House empowers young people and their families walking with younger-onset dementia through an array of holistic support-shifting the narrative from isolation to connection, stigma to strength, and darkness to light.