Verdy Joseph Pieroni Jr.

Verdy Joseph Pieroni, Jr. December 1, 1932 - September 13, 2026

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a loving husband of 51 years to his high school sweetheart, Helen

Verdy Joseph Pieroni, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Poway, CA on September 13, 2026. A loving husband of 51 years to his high school sweetheart, Helen, before her death in 2005, Verdy was a devoted father, grandfather, pilot and respected businessman.

After earning a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Southern California (USC), Verdy entered the U.S. Air Force as a first lieutenant. There, he fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a pilot. In 1960, flying an F-106B, he earned membership in the M-2 Club, a select group of airmen who had flown faster than Mach 2—twice the speed of sound. Following his military service, Verdy, known as V.J., built a successful career at Hughes Aircraft, managing a radar systems laboratory while also enjoying a 30-year career as a pilot with Trans World Airlines (TWA).

After his retirement in 1996, Verdy and Helen moved from Palos Verdes and built their dream home in Poway, California. They spent time traveling, enjoyed many cruises and built lasting friendships along the way. Verdy’s humor and wit were well known and his kindness and generosity were legendary.

For twenty years, Verdy enjoyed sharing his time and aviation expertise at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park, serving as a docent and fundraiser. His passion for aviation shone through as he guided visitors of all ages through the history of flight.

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Verdy’s humor and wit were well known and his kindness and generosity were legendary

Verdy took up golf in his seventies and remained an avid golfer into his nineties. He proudly displayed his hole-in-one ball, a fitting keepsake of his love of the game.

Verdy is remembered with love by his daughters Karen (Steve) McPartland, Faith (Gary Phillips) MacPherson, Lisa (Clyde) Harman, and Michelle Fleck along with grandchildren Tania MacPherson, Steven MacPherson, and Andrea McPartland as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Verdy was preceded in death by his daughter, Leslie Anne, and his son, Clark James.