Mike "Smiley" Veraldi

On July 20th, 2024, at 2:15pm, surrounded by friends and family, Mike "Smiley" Veraldi met his Lord and Savior and was instantly reunited with his beloved Father Bob Veraldi and little brother EJ Veraldi. He valiantly fought bladder cancer for 2 years and finally succumbed unexpectedly to an infection his body couldn't overcome. Mike is survived by his wife Jennifer Lio, his mother Mary Veraldi, parents-in-law Dennis and Janice Lio, sister Barb Boblett, brothers-in-law Jim Boblett and Chris Lio, and sister-in-law Tanya Lio. He was an amazing uncle and mentor to Kyle Boblett, Hayley Boblett, Chase Lio (Emily), Brynn Giza (Jordan), Aidan Bird (Jessica), Avery Bird, and Peyton Banuski. He was great-uncle to Brooks Giza, Mason Lio, Callen Giza, and Warner Lio. He's also survived by his best furry girl, Bobbi, and will be buried with the ashes of his "Camelot" dogs, Chip and Coco.
Mike was an enthusiastic member of both Spring Branch Community Church and the Tidewater Emmaus organization, sharing his infectious love of Christ with everyone he encountered. His book, "Jesus Goes to College" was finished the week before he passed and will be published by his family and friends to ensure his legacy in ministry is complete. He will also be remembered as a hospice volunteer and for his support of ForKids, including his many years as a member of the ForKids board of directors.
Mike was an avid sailor, learning to race in college with the Ohio State Sailing Club. Over the years he competed in places like Annapolis, Charleston, San Francisco, Hampton, and Little Creek. He continued to compete on his beloved "Quicky" as a member of the Hampton Yacht Club and Broad Bay Sailing Association in the J24 class up until a few weeks before his departure. He won accolades too numerous to list over the years and was frequently recognized for his abilities.
In his college days, Mike selected Ohio State University in 1988 to pursue a Naval ROTC scholarship in Aviation Science and was commissioned into the Navy as an Officer upon graduation. He entered flight school in Pensacola, Florida, and ultimately earned his Wings of Gold in Meridian, Mississippi, becoming a Naval Aviator in March of 1991.
Due to his superior grades in flight school, Mike earned selection to fly the F-14 Tomcat and initial training with the Grim Reapers of VF-101 at NAS Oceana, Virginia. His first fleet squadron was the Be-Devilers of VF-74 flying the F-14B where he would earn two Air Combat Maneuvering awards for excellence. Mike's second squadron was the Sluggers of VF-103 where he served as their Strike Training Officer.
LT Veraldi chose to exit the Navy in 1995 to pursue a career in civilian aviation after having accumulated over 1,000 hours of Navy flight time and 107 arrested landings on aircraft carriers.
In transition, Mike grew his hair long, wore a headband and cargo shorts, in order to fly aircraft for parachute jumpers. We can all envision it. He then sought money, got somewhat of a haircut, and became a pilot for United Airlines, off and on, until his cancer prevented his cockpit time.
Smiley has launched with no landing scheduled. He circles high above the clouds:
Eternal Father Strong to Save:
Lord, guard and guide all who fly
Through the great spaces of the sky
Be with them on their lonely flights
Through darkening day and endless nights
O hear us we lift our prayers
For those in peril in the air
In lieu of flowers and the planting of trees, please consider a donation that was close to Mike's heart and give to to ForKids, Inc at ForKids.org. The family will receive friends at Hollomon-Brown, Great Neck Chapel on Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 6 to 8 PM. A Celebration of a Life Well-Lived will be held at Spring Branch Community Church in Virginia Beach, Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 11 AM. Condolences to the family may be offered at www.hollomon-brown.com