Michael F. Gelardi

1932 - 2021

Michael F "Mike" Gelardi, 88, of Virginia Beach died December 12, 2021.

Born on December 19, 1932 in Norfolk, Virginia, Mike was the son of the late Eduardo Gelardi and Mary Garcia. He was predeceased in death by his parents.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Susan; three sons, Michael Gelardi Jr, Joseph (Rhonda) Gelardi and John Gelardi; one daughter, Michelle Gelardi; seven grandchildren: Dominick, Jacob, Delaney, Richard (Amelia), Catherine (Chris), Caroline and Elizabeth; three great-grandchildren, Richard, Giselle and Vincent with a fourth great-granddaughter on the way; his aunt, Sandra Garcia; and his entire work family along with his many siblings, countless colleagues and friends. The family extends deep appreciation to Dr. Barbara Parks for the excellent care she has provided over the years.

Mike was a unique blend of toughness and compassion who turned his eighth-grade education and skills as a master plumber into an innovative career as an expert builder and developer, leaving a lasting imprint on our hearts, our community, and our Commonwealth. From homes and apartments to marinas, shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, waterparks, military bases, and even a space center, there was nothing he could not build and no challenge he could not conquer. He drove hard on the job, but knew how to have fun too, and was always ready to lend a hand or sound advice or a strong shoulder to lean on.

Mike was a self-taught expert in many areas who loved learning and researched in-depth to get to the essence of any issue, adapting technology to his needs once his eyesight failed. He was appointed by two Virginia governors to share his expertise on state boards: the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation and the Board of Housing and Community Development. Humble despite his many accomplishments, he generously and quietly helped people and causes, large and small, including overseeing the building of the Tidewater Veterans Memorial and renovations of the Star of the Sea Catholic Church and School. Most of all, he loved his wife, Susan, and his family with all his heart, building a beautiful home, and filling it with love, laughter, amazing food, and many incredible memories.

Mike was loved, respected, and cherished by so many who will carry him forward forever in their hearts.

The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 16 at the Laskin Road Chapel of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 17 at Star of the Sea Catholic Church [1404 Pacific Avenue, Virginia Beach]. Burial will be at Eastern Shore Chapel Cemetery [2020 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach] immediately following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Star of the Sea Catholic Church [1404 Pacific Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451]. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.