Michael Braun , 26, of California, Maryland, passed on January 07, 2022. Michael was born on May 25, 1995.

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. 

Michael Braun 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.
Michael Braun 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.