Michael Verdi

Greece: Passed away on August 31st, at the age of 79. He was predeceased by his parents, Jerry and Assunta Verdi; his sister, Theresa (Leo) Morrill; and his nephew, David D’Amato. He is survived by his wife, Gail (Cornelius) Verdi; children, Kim (Jerry) Manley, Joanna (Bill) Teasdale; Michelle (Aaron Shea) Shuler, and Jennifer (Brian) Drake; grandchildren, Henry Manley, Billy, Ben, and Abby Teasdale, Chase Shuler, Alexis, Haley, and Brianna Drake; siblings, Jenny (John) Arena, Emily (Sam) Testa, Lilly (Wayne Miles) D’Amato-Miles, & Annette (Roy) Giunta; brother-in-law, Charles (Lynn) Cornelius; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Michael’s life story will be shared during his visitation at the funeral home, Friday, September 4th, 3-7 PM, 1411 Vintage Lane, (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.). His Funeral Mass will be celebrated, Saturday, September 5th, 10:30 AM at Our Mother of Sorrows Church, 5000 Mt. Read Blvd. Immediately following, he will be laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Robert H. Levine Foundation, 2460 Dundee Rd., Unit 153, Northbrook IL, 60062, https://therhlfoundation.org/  in Michael’s memory.

In Loving Memory of Michael Verdi

Michael Verdi’s life was a beautiful story of family, hard work, laughter, adventure, and love. Born on July 11, 1947, in Rionero, Italy, Michael was the son of Assunta and Jerry Verdi. He grew up surrounded by family, alongside his sisters Theresa, Jenny, Emily, Lilly, and Annette. His mother, Assunta, was a talented tailor who also worked at Delco Products, while his father, Jerry, worked for the City of Rochester. From his parents, Michael learned early in life the value of hard work, responsibility, and, most importantly, family.

After attending School #5 and Jefferson High School, Michael began building a life that would be defined by dedication and perseverance. His first job was at Desiato’s Bakery, followed by work at A&G Ceramic Tile. He eventually began a 35-year career with Eastman Kodak, where he spent much of his working life. Michael was a hard-working man who took pride in providing for his family and doing things the right way.

But one of the most important chapters of Michael’s life began in 1968, when he met Gail Cornelius at the Post Masters Ball. It was a meeting that would change both of their lives forever. On August 10, 1968, Michael and Gail were married, beginning a marriage filled with love, laughter, family, and countless memories.

Together, they built a wonderful life and raised four daughters: Kim, Joanna, Michelle, and Jennifer. Michael embraced fatherhood with his whole heart. His family was his greatest source of pride, and he was always there to support, encourage, and cheer them on. He wasn’t simply a father who watched from the sidelines he was his family’s number one fan. Their happiness was his happiness, and their accomplishments were his accomplishments.

Michael and Gail also knew how to enjoy life. Over the years, they created memories that would last a lifetime, traveling to Florida, California, and Rome, spending time camping, walking along the beach, and enjoying an incredible 17 cruises. For Michael, these adventures were about more than seeing new places. They were about experiencing life with the people he loved and collecting stories they could share for years to come.

Michael had a personality all his own and plenty of interests to keep him busy. He loved hunting, fishing, skeet shooting, bowling, playing cards, and spending time outdoors. He was a proud member of the Rochester Brooks Gun Club and enjoyed many days in the woods with his hunting dog, Ginger. He also loved playing the accordion, following the Buffalo Bills and NASCAR, and watching his favorite television show, All in the Family.

Those who knew Michael will remember his wonderful sense of humor and the little expressions that made him uniquely Michael. One of his favorite sayings, “Those are the big dogs,” is sure to bring a smile to the faces of those who heard him say it. These are the kinds of memories that become even more precious with time the familiar sayings, the laughter, the stories, and all the little things that made him who he was.

Michael was a man who found joy in both the big adventures and the simple moments. He could be happiest on a fishing trip, out hunting, sitting down for a game of cards, watching the Bills, traveling with Gail, or simply spending time with his family. He was funny, supportive, dependable, and deeply devoted to the people he loved.

Above everything else, Michael was a family man. His greatest accomplishment was not his long career or the places he traveled, but the family he built and the love he gave them. He gave his daughters a father who was always in their corner, a husband who shared a lifetime of memories with Gail, and a family legacy rooted in love, loyalty, laughter, and hard work.

Michael leaves behind much more than memories. He leaves behind the lessons he taught by example, the laughter he shared, the adventures he enjoyed, and the love that surrounded his family for a lifetime. His presence will be deeply missed, but the life he lived and the love he gave will continue through the family he cherished above all else.

For Michael, family was everything. And to his family, Michael will always be their number one fan the one who believed in them, stood beside them, made them laugh, and loved them with all his heart.

His life was well lived, his heart was full, and his greatest legacy will always be the people he loved.