Obituary of John Arthur Milano

John Milano, better known as Johnny or Johnny-boy, was born in the Bronx in May 1939.  He and his parents, Leo & Suzie, lived in an apartment on Courtlandt Avenue. Johnny became an older brother to Michael and, eventually, both boys were joined by their youngest brother Leonard.  As teenagers, Johnny met Joe McCarthy, Rosemarie Ciancaglini, and a long list of friends who became “their gang”.  A few years later, Ro and Johnny dated, were married in 1960, and moved to an apartment on Wallace Avenue, living across the hall from Ro’s aunt and uncle, Arthur and Frances.  It was there where their first son, Steven was born in October 1963.  Johnny drove a taxi alongside brother-in-law Arnold, Ro’s cousin Arthur, and all were dispatched by his brother Mike.

After becoming a father, Johnny wanted to attend night classes to get his college degree but, was not sure if it was the right thing to do and worried about leaving his young family at home nights.  He asked Aunt Frances who encouraged him to go to college to better his life and assured him that Ro and Steven would be safe with them right across the hall to help in any way.  John began attending accounting classes at Manhattan College.

The young family moved to an apartment on Arnow Avenue, this time downstairs from Arthur and Frances, who were now their landlords.  It was there where second son Mark was born in January 1967.  Johnny and Ro built a family there, and Johnny and Joe continued a decade’s long friendship out of that apartment.  Johnny continued with night college classes while working at H.O. Penn, with their cousin, Marguerite, and then at Chunky, where boxes of Chunky Bars were often brought home as gifts for family and friends.

Johnny and Ro bought a house in Oakland, NJ in 1970 and moved the family out of the Bronx over Thanksgiving weekend.  A job change to Charms also changed the candies that Johnny brought home and Blow pops became the abundant gift for all.  Johnny graduated Manhattan College in 1971.  One of his first tasks was to personally thank Aunt Frances for guiding him to do the right thing; to finish college and improve his job prospects.  Jobs changes included Estee Candies then, ultimately Hamilton Adams Imports.  At this time the gifts brought home were no longer candy but rather Irish Linens, tablecloths, and throw rugs.  Aunt Frances still has some of those items to this day!

John was promoted through the company-ranks until he was Vice President of Hamilton Adams with a company car, but always prepared taxes on the side, especially for family and friends.  After Hamilton Adams was bought out, Johnny became a CPA in Ridgewood, NJ, then ultimately  opened his own Tax Office in Oakland, NJ, eventually joined by his brother Mike.  The loving father witnessed the marriages of both sons and eventually grandchildren.  First Brittany, then Michael, followed by Andrew and then Alexis. The proud and hardworking father became a loving and generous  grandfather who shined whenever the grandchildren were around.  He did everything he could for them including vacations where Johnny and Joe would host the families in Atlantic City, but also included family trips to Wildwood, Long Beach Island, and Las Vegas. In addition to trips and numerous gifts, Johnny mostly gave his grandchildren his never-ending love and attention. 

His son Mark joined Johnny and Mike in the tax and financial business and Johnny mentored and trained his son.  The business grew and Johnny started to back off from fulltime work in the office as his grandson Andrew also joined Milano Financial Services.  Johnny’s generosity only grew with him and Joe inviting the extended family and friends to join in the fun of Atlantic City.

Again, Johnny’s heart beamed and opened wide when great-granddaughter Valentina joined his life and he was happy to devote more time to her and his grandchildren, to hosting his Atlantic City trips several times a year, and less time at work.  Throughout his life he remained a loyal friend, a beloved member of his immediate, and extended families, and the guru that everyone turned to for financial help.

After a relatively short illness, Johnny passed away on Wednesday evening, November 29, 2023.

He leaves behind two sons and a daughter-in-law, four grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, his childhood friends Ro and Joe, and a large number of family and friends who have a vacant place in their hearts that Johnny once filled.  His passion for life and generous spirit will be loved and missed by many.  May he rest in peace.