Michael William Vandergrift, beloved husband, father, brother, friend, and USMC veteran, passed away on September 2, 2026 in Leesburg, VA. Michael is survived by his wife of 23 years, Lesley Vandergrift, his twin daughters, Ashley and Brooke Vandergrift, and his dog, Charlie “Hojo” Vandergrift, who were the center of his world. He also leaves behind his three sisters, Linda Miller (Michael), Laura Sugrue, and Leigh Ann Rawlins (Jr), as well as his brother and sister-in-law, Philip Caudery (Mimi) and Victoria Allison (Mead), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Michael was born on November 9, 1971, to Patricia Patterson Vandergrift and William Vandergrift in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His roots in Pittsburgh remained an important part of who he was throughout his life. He was a lifelong and devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan and Campiti’s Pizza lover, and after moving to the Washington, D.C. area, he became an equally passionate Washington Capitals fan.

Michael was a man of deep faith and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, carrying the pride of his country with him throughout his life. He earned his undergraduate and Master’s degree in Business from the University of Phoenix and built a long and rewarding career in banking. He enjoyed being an active member of the community and helping his clients and colleagues succeed.

To his family, Michael was not only a father, brother, or husband, but also a constant source of life lessons, comfort and love, advice, and unsolicited, but memorable opinions. He was never afraid to tell anyone exactly what he thought. Those conversations, his advice, and the lessons he shared will remain with them throughout their lives.

Michael also had a passion for traveling all over the world with his long-time good friends Jeff, Julie, and Angie and loved to share his stories and pictures with friends and family. He was also a huge fan of the British 80’s musician “Howard Jones” (Hojo), and travelled all over the US to see him perform over the past 40 plus years. He was recently able to see his favorite musician perform with family and friends shortly before his passing.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, daughters, sisters, family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His voice, his lessons, his opinions, and most of all, his love will remain with his family always.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, September 14, at 2:00 p.m. at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 101 Oakcrest Manor Dr NE, Leesburg, VA 20176. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Michael’s life. There will be a separate “Celebration of Life” planned for Michael in the near future.