Dennis Ray Milano

On July 6, 2024 Dennis Ray Milano, Veteran U.S.S. Marine, Husband, Father, and Grandfather received his final orders and boarded his train to heaven, peacefully surrounded by his family at the age of 75 years old. Dennis was born in Tooele, Utah on January 9th, 1949 to Bernice Banks and Dominic Milano. Dennis married the love of his life, Judy Ann Milano on June 24th, 1967. In 1969 Dennis enlisted in the U.S.S Marines and served bravely in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1971 and awarded the Combat Action Ribbon Medal by the National Service Medal Vietnam Services and the Vietnam Campaign Medal and Badge for Rifle Marksman.

After returning home from the war, Dennis and Judy had four children: two sons and two daughters. Dennis loved spending time with his family, educating his grandchildren on history, mechanics, and the world in front of them. He enjoyed hunting trips with his sons and driving down south to Fish Lake for fishing trips. He had a love for all animals, especially his dogs. Dennis loved to laugh, and he brought laughter and joy to those around him. Dennis retired from Motor Cargo in 2009 after 37 years to spend his days telling his life stories, caring for those he loved, feeding his dogs from his plate, and being around his family; they were his favorite people (and paws) to be around. In Dennis’s final moments, his joy never surrendered to his body's ailments as he gave his family an exuberant, “Hey, Yall” and became their angel.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Judy Milano, son, Ray Milano (Danielle), daughter, Lisa Halbert (Ron), son, Anthony Milano (Jaime) and daughter, Stephanie Milano, nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, brother, Eldon Milano (Judy), and half-sisters, Debbie Rydalch and Tayna Goodwin. He is preceded in death by his father, Dominic Milano, mother, Bernice Banks, sister, Joanne Valario and stepfather, Dwayne Banks. 

Graveside services will be held on July 15, 2024 at 1:00 PM, at Memorial Redwood Cemetery 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah.  You may visit with the family prior to services from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM at Memorial Redwood Mortuary.

Our family is eternally grateful to his caretakers Shannon, Chelsea, and Cheyanne at Salt Lake Veterans Home; and his aids at the Central Utah Veterans Home who made Dennis feel comfortable, provided him with peace, and kept extra hot dogs on hand for when he got a craving in the middle of the night. You made our family feel like your own. In honor of Dennis, may we all continue to tell our stories, love fiercely, and serve bravely.