Michael Joseph Mugler, Sr. (87), loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend left us suddenly on Saturday, August 12, 2023. He was born May 8, 1936, to John Phillip and Susan (Kelly) Mugler.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Sandra G. Mugler, sons Michael (Sheila), Ross (Martha), Patrick (Lisa), stepsons Dale (Theresa), Dean (Jill) Orren, and brother John (Mary).  Michael was predeceased by his daughter Molly Williams and his sisters Ann Marie Wilt and Joan Conlin. He leaves behind a blended family that includes twelve grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

Mike graduated from VPI (now Virginia Tech University) and was a proud four-year member of the VPI Corps of Cadets. He was a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force and later held positions at NACA (now NASA) at Langley and CONARC, and retired from TRADOC, Fort Monroe, Virginia.

Mike was a volunteer DOCENT at the Virginia Air & Space Museum for more than 25 years, with over 2,500 volunteer hours.  He also served as a past president of the York River Exchange Club. Mike was an avid aviation nut and obtained his original pilots license from the CAA (now the FAA). He was one of the first and longtime member and volunteer at the Langley AFB Aero Club (he held membership # 001); Mike never failed to look up at the sound of airplanes.

Mike was a kind, loving and proud father, grandfather and great grandfather.  He also had two dogs that he adopted from the Peninsula SPCA, often greeting neighbors during "dog walks" and discussing the latest goings on in the Tabb Lakes area.

Viewing will be on Monday, August 21, 2023, from 11:00am to 5:00pm at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in downtown Hampton.  A second viewing will be on Tuesday, August 22, from 9:00am to 9:30am at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 7 Frank Ln on Ft. Monroe, followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:30am.  Reception to follow at the Hampton Yacht Club, 4707 Victoria Boulevard in Hampton, after the funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please send a contribution to the Peninsula SPCA or to Catholic Charities