Milan Michael Veselica

Michael Veselica – October 19,1950 - February 18, 2026

A modern Renaissance man, his loves were many: All things Science, wonderful art & architecture, fast cars, golf, fine whiskey, bluegrass and all kinds of music, especially playing with other musicians. Most of all, he loved to travel the world with his wife of 41 years, Jan Hoffman. He had an uncanny ability to totally immerse himself in every culture he encountered. He was a scuba diver, canoe paddler, backpacker, gardener extraordinaire, famous for his tasty but messy culinary skills, like cooking up gumbo with red beans and rice.

Michael believed the world was his playground. He had friends from all walks of life, who are treasures and a huge part of his core being. He will forever be remembered by his passion for sharing memories, embracing all he met, quietly taking care of folks who needed a helping hand, as well as his wit and wry sense of humor. Never short on stories, he’d take any opportunity to share every detail of his adventures (and take the long-way-round when getting to the point). And, of course, his vast collection of Hawaiian shirts! To some, he may have seemed larger than life, but Michael’s is an example to all who seek to discover the best this world has to offer.

A Few Perfect Moments

✦ Annapurna Sanctuary mountain meadow in Nepal

✦ Machu Pichu Peru in the rain

✦ Snorkeling with penguins & sea lions in the Galapagos

✦ Viewing Mount Everest by moonlight

✦ A hot summer’s night eating Gelato in Sienna Italy

✦ Sailing the Turquoise Coast in a gulet

✦ Pinky-purple sunsets at Topsail Beach

✦ Petting grey whales in Baja Mexico.

✦ Smell of the Pine Forest in Yellow Springs

✦ Sleeping under the stars of a Namibian desert

✦ Blue Crabs + Gin & Tonics

Quotes

✦ “If only they had listened to me…..”

✦ “Be in the Now”

Michael is survived by his best friend & wife Jan, sister Nancy Clelland, godchildren Mary and Ryan, as well as hundreds of dear friends scattered across the globe.

In true “Unkle Mike” tradition, come share your favorite stories at his Celebration of Life, Sunday afternoon, April 26, 2026. The gathering will be at the beautiful, much-loved home of Michael and Jan, located at 2118 Western Park Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278.