Obituary of Michael F. Milanese

Michael F. Milanese (Mickey Milan) was born July 10, 1931 in Troy, New York, and died on August 7, 2016 in his home in Florida, after a lingering illness. Mickey is survived by his second son John M. Milanese, Mickey’s daughter Laurie Anne (Milanese) Cathell, his grandson Nicholas C. Cathell, and his former wife Suzanne (Dawson) (Milanese) Clary all of Plantation, Florida, Mickey’s sister Marge Milanese of Waterford, NY, his niece and nephew-in-law Michele (Milanese) and Dr. David Pesek of Waynesville, NC, and numerous cousins and friends from around the country who shared his life and will grieve Mickey’sdeath. Born of Margaret (Colarusso) and Frank J. Milanese, Mickey is also predeceased by his oldest of 3 adult children Frank M. Milanese (d.2005), Mickey’s brother John F.(d. 2008), sister-in-law Lorraine (Horton) Milanese (d. 1987), and his son-in-law Michael C. Cathell (d. 2014) of Florida, along with “his village” of numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, especially Ted Deeb of Troy, NY. Mickey “Milan” began his professional career “on the road” as the singer with the rich, smooth baritone voice and as a talented musician with a popular mid Atlantic group. By 1958, Mickey was an integral part of the local and then to become nationally known Johnny Milanese and the Interludes. This foursome of the Milanese brothers, Billy Kaye, and Jerry Benoit was a unique group of exceptional entertainers who took the “Big Cities” East to West, and eventually in South Fla. by storm, entertaining in the finest hotels, country clubs, resorts, and restaurants. Appearing in 1964 on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show was a claim to fame! In 1969 Mickey recorded with 45 accompanying instrumentalists at Columbia Studio in NYC. His vocal renditions of DIDN’T WE, COME RAIN OR COME SHINE, WITH PEN IN HAND, and THIS IS YOUR LIFE made the charts, and he began a new chapter. For years before returning to Florida, the Downingtown Inn in Downingtown, PA. became Mickey’s stage and home away from home. Audiences seeking quality entertainment and a soft romantic tone flocked to this resort in the Pocono Mts. where among the amenities was a duo like no other who from their repertoire fare of over 2800 songs Mickey “Milan” with the accompaniment of his sensational pianist Diana Doering would honor the requests of all, and provide real Music of the Night. Into the 1980’s while performing with his Mickey Milan Trio of Butch Axsmith and Diana, he also ventured out into becoming a Florida Time Share Sales Agent at Lighthouse Cove Resorts on Pompano Beach, the Breakers of Ft. Lauderdale, and Bonaventure in Weston. There too he utilized his persuasive ability and charming personality and was thus awarded as Realtor “Salesman of the Year.” For the last 10 of his Golden Years, Mickey Milan was retired and while living in Ft. Lauderdale was always able and willing to offer a guest performance at his Nightclub of Choice, at the request of a colleague performing. As he began the melody of any one of his signature songs, the audience became mesmerized, and always broke into applause as he “knocked them dead” with his voice that captivated their ears and moved their hearts. Mickey Milan, the Man and his Music will never be forgotten by his relatives, friends, and the throngs of people throughout his life for whom hearts were lightened, friendships healed, and enjoyment had. Thanks for the Memories. We invite you to join us at a Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Mickey’s Life, and now Eternal Bliss. Welcome to St. Anthony of Padua Church at 28 State Street, Troy, NY on Saturday, August 20, 2016 for this 10:00 A.M. Liturgy. We thank all of you for your prayers, and concern. We thank Simple Choices for their kindness and empathy in our preparations. In lieu of Flowers, you may make a contribution to: Vitas Healthcare (Hospice) 5420 NW 33rd Ave Suite 100 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33309 OR St. Anthony of Padua Church 28 State Street Troy, NY 12180