Joseph Milardo

Joseph Milardo
Joseph (Joe) Milardo, age 83, passed away on April 7, 2025. He was born and raised in Middletown, CT, son of the late Carl and Angelina (Civitello) Milardo. He graduated Woodrow Wilson High School in 1960, enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1961. He was trained as a weapons specialist and mechanic in Denver, Colorado and proudly served at bases in Great Falls, Montana and Anchorage, Alaska. After leaving the Service, Joe returned home to Middlesex County, where he began his civilian career, married and raised his family. He was a tireless worker who excelled in the trades, specifically heating and air conditioning. Whether he was delivering home heating oil, installing and servicing air conditioning equipment, or estimating and sizing large commercial HVAC projects, Joe touched countless colleagues and customers through his strong work ethic and integrity. He was also grateful for the time he spent at the Portland Golf Course, as a member of the grounds crew and pro shop staff.
Joe will be remembered as a devoted son and brother, loving and proud father and grandfather, loyal and generous friend. He loved a good meal, especially beef cutlets with a well of mashed potatoes filled with corn. Joe preferred to be outdoors, tending to the yard, hunting and fishing, riding mountain bikes and his Harley Road King, going for walks, heading to Giants Stadium for a day of tailgating and cheering, enjoying the ocean, and in the winter, skiing. Joe was a decorated member of the National Ski Patrol, supporting Powder Ridge Ski Area. He deeply cherished the Ski Patrol community, especially the Monday Night Crew and the friendships that came from his many decades of volunteer service "on the mountain". Joe was also recognized as an honorary member of the Westfield Volunteer Fire Department.
The teenage passion of "Joe the Lion" was a far cry from the gentle patience of "Papa Joe". He grew old with grace and kindness and never stopped trying to do his best. He was truly a good man.
Joe is survived by his sister, Mary Johnson and husband Howard, brother, Jim Milardo and wife Sheila, daughters, Laurie Kelley and husband John, Barbie Donoghue and husband Tim, Lisa Catanzaro, son, Joe Milardo and wife Michelle, eight grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
Joe's family would like to thank the healthcare heroes at Westview Nursing in Dayville, CT for their kindness and care. It won't be quite the same without "Jo-Jo" patrolling the West Wing.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 17. Visitation is 9:30AM -11:00AM, followed by Mass at D'Angelo Funeral Home in Middletown, CT. Burial will follow at the Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org/ct .