Joseph Milani

Joseph A. Milani, 18, of Frederick, died on Friday, April 15, 2011, at his residence. Born January 18, 1993, in West Point, NY, he was the son of LTC (Ret) William G. and Cynthia M. Milani.

Joey died peacefully at home with his family at his side after a long struggle with Batten Disease. In his 18 years, despite his illness, Joey loved life and had a contagious laugh and mischievous smile. He brought joy and love to all who came to know him.

Joey is preceded in death by his brother William R. Milani. Surviving beside his parents. he was the treasured grandson of paternal grandparents, COL (Ret) John and Nancy Milani of Fayetteville, GA., and maternal grandparents, Casimir and Dorothy Mikrut of Chicago, IL. Joey was loved and supported by his many aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family wishes to extend a special heartfelt thank you to Dr. James Lee for his many years of devoted care. And they also wish to thank Joey’s loving nurses, Patricia Raezer, Freda Chanakira, Vimbai Moyo, Pamela Zemura, and Samuel Duala for their care and compassion. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Friday, April 29, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 118 East Second Street, Frederick, Maryland, with Monsignor Richard Murphy as celebrant. Interment will take place in St. John's Cemetery, Frederick.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Batten Disease Support and Research Association, 166 Humphries Dr., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068, 800-448-4570, www.BDSRA.Org ; Rock Creek School, 191 Waverley Dr., Frederick, MD 21702; or St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 118 East Second Street, Frederick, MD 21701.