Milan Keser

1938 - 2017

The world is diminished after the loss of Milan Keser. Over the last few days, it has become apparent that he was many things to many people who will miss him deeply. To his family he was "the world's best grandpa," a father, a husband, a brother, an uncle. There was never any doubt how much he loved his family, he told us often and showed us always. In the soccer community, "Mr. Keser" was a player, a coach, a club president, a bus driver, a groundskeeper, a friend. He was a fierce advocate for youth soccer - always putting the kids first. Professionally, "Dr. Keser" was a scientist, a leader, a scholar, a professor. He unflaggingly supported the people that worked for and with him. Milan was fiercely loyal and lived according to his own moral code. Milan grew up in war torn Yugoslavia, surviving a concentration camp as a child. Arriving in this country at the age of nineteen; he had no money and could only speak a few words of English. Always one to approach a challenge head-on, he joined the Air Force and then put himself through school. He received a B.S from Westfield State College, a M.Ed. in Science Education, M.S. in Botany and a Ph.D. in Marine Sciences from the University of Maine. Milan headed the environmental lab at Millstone Nuclear Power Station for 38 years and was elected into the Connecticut Academy of Scientists and Engineers in 2012. He was a part of publishing numerous scientific papers. He was an adjunct professor and then an associated professor in the Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Avery Point. He also served as a member of the Connecticut Institute of Water Resources (CTIWR) and the Long Island Sound Study Science and Technical Advisory Committee. He was one of the founding members of both the East Lyme Soccer Club and the Southeast Soccer Club, serving for decades as the president of each. He also was the longest serving board member of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association representing the Southeast District. In 2009, he was inducted into CT. Soccer Hall of Fame. He coached many teams over the last 40 years, but he always had a special place in his heart for his "girls" - the East Lyme High School women's soccer team, which he was instrumental in creating and coached for 11 years. He played soccer at Westfield State College and was Captain of the team for 4 years. He was inducted into the inaugural class of Westfield State College Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994. He was recognized for his soccer achievements by the town of East Lyme, the Southeast District, University of Connecticut Men's Soccer program and the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. He was particular proud of the Milan Keser soccer field at Bridebrook. At his death, he was a member of East Lyme Parks and Recreation Commission for 14 years. He was the founding member and President of both the SE Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame and the East Lyme Sports Hall of Fame. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 32 years Karen; his children Sonny and wife Beth, Adam and wife Dawn, and Aleksander and fiancé Natalie; his brothers Mark and his children Christine, Mark (Susanne) and Keith; and Dean and wife Diane and their children Paul, Steven (Caitlin), Stacy; and his granddaughters, the lights of his life, Jessica, Samantha, Abigail, Ella, and Elyse. He was predeceased by his parents Cvijan Keser, Stana Rasich Keser, sister Anka, brother Branko and his sister-in-law Mary Keser. He leaves us after living life well for 79 years. So many of us are better off for having known him. Calling hours are from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. A Funeral Home service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 18. Interment will follow in East Lyme Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.neilanfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to: SECJSA Milan Keser Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Joe Filippetti 11 Hillcrest Dr. Waterford, CT 06385.