Joseph A. Milando

Joseph A. Milando passed away in his home on March 22, 2025 at the age of 87. He was the third son of Giuseppe and Adeline Milando, both from Abruzzo, Italy. Joe was born and raised in South Philadelphia with his older brothers Vincent and Dominic. He attended Southern High School in the 50’s and worked at Campions Co. a blueprinting shop, from the age of 16. He learned how to develop film and make negatives there and went on to work at Boeing starting in 1963, where he was in charge of the audio and video in the airplanes. During the Vietnam war, he worked 12 hours a day 7 days a week for several months.  After taking lessons in ventriloquism in his teens, Joe and his beloved dummy “Hoagie” performed professionally and at parties, both for family and friends throughout his life. He loved practical jokes and making people laugh. In the early 1970’s, he started his longest career as the school librarian for the Girard School in Philadelphia, where even after retiring in 1999, he stayed close with the many friends he made there. His face would light up when he told stories about the kids in the library. Joe, or Big Joe as he was affectionately called by many of us, moved to Sewell, NJ after he retired. He stayed active playing golf and taking trips, most recently to attend his nephew’s wedding in Italy this past June! He kept close with his friends and family and was very warm-hearted, always with a smile, a homemade dish and a story to tell. He was one of those unusual individuals that was loved by all who knew him, he was kind and generous and always just a phone call away for anyone who needed him. An amazing chef and the keeper of family traditions, he excelled at main dishes, soups, desserts - you name it. During Covid, he taught the family spread across the country these special family dishes through online video sessions, affectionately known as Big Joe’s Cooking Show. We even had tee shirts and an apron made!

Joe was an avid Phillies fan and big baseball fan overall. He often talked about attending his first Phillies game with his cousin Grace when he was 9 years old. Games were not televised, so this was the first time he actually SAW a game. He also loved all things technology and the Internet, which allowed him to listen to old radio recordings of his favorite shows growing up. Joe spent most of his adult summers in North Wildwood where he offered vacation family apartments for over 40 years. Many guests were like extended family members, with guests returning for dozens of years. He acted as a chauffeur for many friends and family members bringing them to weddings and doctor appointments!

Joe is predeceased by his parents and his 2 brothers, Vincent Milando of Atlantic City, and Dominic Milando of Philadelphia. He has three surviving nieces and nephews, Patrick Milando, Joe Milando, and Vinessa Milando, as well as their respective spouses - Tasha, Suzanne and Roman. He dearly loved his 5 grand nieces and one grand nephew.

He also leaves behind his beloved cousins’ children and grandchildren from the Markert, Lynsky, DiLorenzo, Piersanti and Sadgwar families, all of whom were very dear to him. 

Joe's family will greet friends on Tuesday at 10 AM at SS Peter & Paul Church.  HIs Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 AM.  Inurnment will follow at SS Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe's memory may be made to The Pet Project (https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/ThePetProjectforPetsInc/donatepetproject.html)

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