Eugene "Gene" Francis Milchak

It is with sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Eugene “Gene” Milchak, who departed this life on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Born in Summerhill, Pennsylvania, Gene was one of eight children of Joseph and Edna Milchak. Over the course of his life, he also called Maryland, New Mexico, and Arizona home.

Gene was an Air Force veteran who served as a communications officer at the VIP Aeronautical Station at Andrews Air Force Base, where he provided communications support for the Air Force Distinguished Visitor fleet, including Air Force One. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and a Master of Science in Systems Management, both from the University of Maryland.

During more than 50 years in the aerospace industry, Gene received multiple NASA Group Achievement Awards, recognizing outstanding group accomplishments that substantially contributed to NASA’s mission. He was also among the first 30 NASA contractor personnel selected for the NASA Manned Flight Awareness Award.

Gene began his NASA career in 1972 as a ground station operator contractor with RCA Service Company, supporting the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory at Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. In 1977, he joined Grumman Aerospace as a Mission Controller on the OAO and Solar Maximum Mission programs.

He later relocated to White Sands, New Mexico, with General Dynamics Contel, formerly Spacecom, Inc. He served in a variety of leadership roles responsible for TDRSS mission planning and requirements, including Manager of Mission Planning and Director of Ground Systems. He subsequently joined Omitron, Inc. of Greenbelt, Maryland, as Vice President of Operations and became a part owner.

In 1998, Gene rejoined GTE Government Systems as Senior Manager, Program/Proposal. In 2000, he joined the former General Dynamics Network Systems as Director of Space Programs. When GDNS’ Space Programs transferred into GDC4 Systems in 2004, Gene continued as Director of Space Programs and later served as Senior Director. He was named a C4 Systems Vice President in 2012.

Under Gene’s leadership, the business grew significantly across key locations, including Las Cruces, New Mexico; NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland; Wahiawa, Hawaii; and the Naval Satellite Operations Center in Point Mugu, California. He was instrumental in winning NASA’s Space Network Ground Segment Sustainment program. Gene continued his work with Qwaltec and KinetX Aerospace as a Business Development Specialist until his retirement.

Gene is survived by his three children: Brian Milchak, Elizabeth Milchak, and Paula M. Dimitriadis (John); his grandchildren, Christopher Dimitriadis (Alyssa) and Georgena Dimitriadis (fiancée Patrick Walsh); and his great-grandchild, Noah Dimitriadis.

He is also survived by his siblings: Joann Widitz (Edward, deceased), Marilyn “Joyce” Schrader (Arthur, deceased), Joseph Milchak (Hannelore), William “Billy” Milchak (Joanne), and James “Chip” Milchak (Joni), as well as several nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by his parents and siblings John “Jack” Milchak (Denise) and Michele Milchak.

Celebration of life services for Gene will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 7, 2026 at Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery: 10940 E Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, Arizona 85248.