David S. "Milky" Milkeris

1937 - 2015

WELLSVILLE - David S. "Milky" Milkeris, 77, passed away Saturday (May 30, 2015) at home surrounded by family following a short illness.

Mr. Milkeris was born on Aug. 30, 1937, in Chicago, IL, to Stanley and Bernice (Jocius) Milkeris. He was a 1956 graduate of Kelly High School in Chicago. Shortly thereafter, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Superintendent, retiring in 1980 as Master Sergeant following a 24 year career. He was a decorated Vietnam War Veteran, earning the Airman's Medal and the Bronze Star among other awards for his distinguished service. On July 4, 1993, in Scio, N.Y., he married Sherry Lyne Richmond, who survives.

After his career in the Air Force, Milky worked as a calibration technician for Caltronix, Inc. in Hornell for 24 years before retiring in 2010.

In addition to his wife, Milky is survived by four daughters, Robin (Bruce) Halverson of Moreno Valley, CA, Cheryl (Jerry) Thoma of CO, Kristine (Robbie) Milkeris-Smith of Genesee, PA, and Lori Milkeris of Milton, FL.; one son, Joshua Milkeris of Wellsville, NY; one step-son, Brian Claire of Norfolk, VA; one step-daughter, Belinda (Michael) Connors of Cabot, AR; one brother, Richard (Jeanne) Milkeris of Chicago, IL; 12 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Deborah Milkeris and a brother, James Paul Milkeris.

Milky loved to socialize. He was an avid reader and enjoyed bowling. He was a longtime member of the Wellsville Moose Lodge 601 and was serving as President of the NYS Moose Association. Additionally, he was a member of the Wellsville American Legion Post 702 and the Cuba VFW Post 2721.

Friends were invited to visit on Thursday at Baker-Swan Funeral Home, 3256 Riverside Drive in Wellsville. The memorial service were held Thursday at the funeral home immediately following the visitation. Full military honors and burial will follow in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.

Memorial contributions in Milky's name may be made to "Moose Charities" at Moose International 155 S. International Drive, Mooseheart IL 60539-1118 or American Cancer Society Buffalo Hope Lodge, 197 Summer Street, Buffalo NY 14222.