Michael Gerald Vermilye

Michael G. Vermilye—devoted husband of Nancy for four decades and father of their three children—passed away on November 14, 2025, in his family home in Aiken, SC, at age 60. A few months shy of his 61st birthday and just months after celebrating his and Nancy’s 40th wedding anniversary, he brought to an end a full life marked by a courageous and dignified battle with cancer.

A skilled mechanic, lover of music, engaging conversationalist, and expert on all things electrical, Mike was remembered by friends, family, and the Kowalski family—who adopted him as one of their own—for his constant warm smile, especially when telling stories. These often ended with him erupting into a booming laugh, eyes half-closed in the sheer joy of the telling.

His life, and that of his family, spanned the nation—from Ohio to Arizona to South Carolina—with travels throughout Europe in between. The high-tension powerlines crisscrossing the country served as a map for their journeys, and Mike knew every inch of those high wires. Electricity truly was in his blood.

Mike was born April 8, 1965, in Westlake, Ohio, to the late Jerry and Ann Vermilye. He and Nancy married at age 20 in Westlake, where they met in high school. At a concert while they were dating, Mike turned to one of Nancy’s sisters and said, “Don’t worry, I will take care of her.” He kept true to his word, she recalled.

Early in their marriage, Mike and Nancy undertook the extraordinary challenge of adopting two children—one from Russia and one in the U.S.—before welcoming a third child of their own.

In South Carolina, Mike and Nancy lived a stone’s throw from the famed Augusta National Golf Club and loved sharing it with guests. “A few years ago, he worked his magic to obtain tickets to the Masters,” said one brother-in-law, a golfer. “We were like two little kids in a candy shop walking around Augusta National that day! I still think about it to this day.”

An avid auto mechanic, Mike was particularly fond of repairing and restoring Jeeps and Fords. “At any time, he was willing to help you out of a problem, especially electrical,” said one of his brothers-in-law.

In the summer of 2024, Mike was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, which he fought with the same passion he brought to his conversations and interests in all things people.

Mike is survived by his wife, Nancy, 60; their three children: Dennis, 33 (Amber); Cindy Branning (Matt); and Danielle, 28; one grandchild, Mars Branning; and brother Brian Vermilye.

Funeral Mass: Saturday, November 22, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Help of Christians Church, 203 Park Ave. SE, Aiken, SC. Visitation: Friday, November 21, 2025, from 6–8 p.m. at Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home, 715 E. Pine Log Rd., Aiken, SC. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Duke Cancer Center – Raleigh (https://giving.dukehealth.org/)  or to St. Thomas More Catholic Church, and Campus Ministry at The University of South Carolina, Building Fund (https://stthomasmoreusc.org/) . 

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC