Michael Aldo Cereno

Michael Aldo Cereno, of Saint Charles, MO, passed away Thursday, September 12, 2024, at the age of 77. Cherished son of the late Aldo J. and Fannie Jo Cereno. Devoted father of Melissa Cereno, and Sara (Heather) Graham; loving grandfather of Anthony Rickley, John Amland, Alex Cereno, Rico Martinez; brother of Margaret (Russell) Lawrence; uncle of Marc (Melissa) Lawrence, Nicholas (Faiza) Lawrence, Jerry (Anna) Engelhand, Timothy Engelhard, and Stacey (Shawn) Wallace. Preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret (Russell- living) Lawrence and Debra Warren.

Mike was a dedicated serviceman with a lifelong passion for flying. He proudly served his country for six years in the Marine Corps, after initially starting in the Navy, where he transitioned to the Marines to train as a pilot. Flying quickly became his true calling, and during his service, he flew CH-46 helicopters. After his time in the military, Mike continued pursuing his passion for aviation by attending flight school in Pensacola, Florida. Following his Marine Corps discharge, he worked on tugboats for a barge line while putting himself through aviation school, studying Marine Engineering at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. 

After graduating, Mike embarked on a long career as a commercial pilot, flying for TWA and American Airlines. He later served as a captain for Jet Linx and Citation Air, flying private planes. Mike was also active in his community, volunteering with the Vietnam Helicopter Association, the Spirit of Aviation, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Sky Soldiers, and the USMMA Foundation.

Above all, Mike will be remembered for his love of flying and working on cars. His greatest joy was helping others with a passion for aviation, particularly those whom others had given up on. He touched the lives of many and left a lasting impression wherever he went. Mike was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Memorials may be made in Mike's name to Sky Soldiers.