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Michael "Arlo" Arlaud '66
Before finding his voice in radio, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves, specializing in repairing and maintaining jet engines and systems during the Vietnam War in 1966 and served until 1972. His broadcasting journey began in the spring of 1975 at FM99 WNOR, where he quickly stood out for his encyclopedic knowledge of music and his rare gift for connecting intimately with his audience. In 1996, he moved to sister station Classic Rock 106.9 The Fox, bringing his iconic "Arlo's Electric Lunch" feature along with him to anchor the middays for nearly three more decades. Raised in Virginia Beach, VA, Mike was far more than a voice on the dial—he was described by generations of listeners as a trusted friend in the car, and a true entertainer on their TV. Mike joined the cast of Dr. Madblood in 1976 and created several iconic characters such as Count Lacudra the vampire, Dusty the Crop Duster, Jinx the monster, and Kid Exorcist among many others. From 1982-1983, Mike had his own TV show, "Mike Arlo’s Video Radio" which ran every Saturday at 8PM on 33WTVZ and was simulcasted on FM99 WNOR. He played music videos and interviewed musicians such as Pat Benatar, Cheap Trick, John Cougar Mellancamp, and many more. Throughout a career spanning 51 combined years on the airwaves, he frequently remarked that he was so blessed to love his work that he "never worked a day in his life". His extraordinary dedication was permanently recognized when the Virginia Association of Broadcasters honored him with its inaugural Career Achievement Award. Mike's deep impact was mirrored by his passionate commitment to the community he loved. He was the face and heart of massive charitable endeavors, famously standing front and center for the very first Mayflower Marathon Food Drive in 1997, a tradition that grew to provide over one million holiday meals annually. Whether he was rallying 40,000 people to Mount Trashmore to support local troops during Desert Storm, taking a Polar Plunge for the Special Olympics, or raising funds for the March of Dimes, Mike did it all with a contagious sense of humor and an unwavering "smile in his voice". He is survived by his loving wife, Lauren; his daughters, Monique and her husband Bret; Brigette and her husband Jessie; his cherished granddaughter, Valerie and her husband Bradley; his sister Michele; and his beloved pets, Keagan and Noel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to organizations close to his heart, including NPR, the Virginia Beach SPCA, the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. Private services will be held in the near future for close family and friends.
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