Edward F. Milza

Ed was born on November 25, 1931 in Staten Island to Paul and Louise Milza. He is predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Jane Tierney Milza, and his siblings, Paul Milza and Catherine Seggio, brother-in-law Joseph Seggio, sister-in-law Gloria Milza, and son-in-law, William Fennell.

He is survived by his brother, Ernest Milza, and his five devoted children: Clare Fennell (William), Carrie Milza (Dr. Scott Dax), Edward Milza, Stephen Milza, and Robert Tierney. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren: Elizabeth Fennell, Gregory Fennell, Andrew Fennell, Kristy Dax (Dr. Mike Krout), Eric Dax (Dr. Gabriella Dax), Emma Dax, and Abigail Milza, and her mother, Donna Milza.

A proud Staten Islander for over nine decades, Ed enjoyed living on Brady’s Pond in Grasmere and spent many summers at the New Jersey shore. He was a devoted parishioner of St. Sylvester Church for 94 years and a member of the Holy Name Society.

Growing up on Staten Island, Ed was an active baseball and football player. He attended New Dorp High School, where he proudly wore the number 21 jersey playing football for legendary Coach Sal Somma, a man he admired. During his time at New Dorp, Ed was a member of the 1949 undefeated New York City championship team. His skill on the baseball field earned him a New York Yankees tryout.

Ed served in the Korean War as a member of the Air Force from 1951 to 1953. He and Jane married in 1957. Ed was a retired printer with Appeal Printing Company in Manhattan.

Alongside his spouse, Jane, Ed was an advocate for adults and children with developmental disabilities. He was a member of the Staten Island Parents of the Hearing Impaired, and the parents support group of A Very Special Place, Inc.

In addition, Ed passed on his love of baseball, serving as a coach for many years to his sons’ baseball teams. He also coached football for several seasons at the former Mission of the Immaculate Virgin at Mount Loretta. Ed also deeply enjoyed his time as a member of Staten Island Baseball Oldtimers. He was recognized in 2022 by the Oldtimers for his community service.

Ed traveled the world with his wife, Jane, who had served as food and wine editor at the Staten Island Advance for 33 years. Italy was his favorite destination of more than 35 countries across Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, and North and South America that they explored together.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 27 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10310. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, August 28 at 10:00 am at St. Sylvester Church, 854 Targee Street, Staten Island, NY 10304. Burial will follow at Moravian Cemetery, 2205 Richmond Road, Staten Island, NY 10306.

Gifts in Ed’s memory may be made to A Very Special Place, Inc, whose mission it is to empower and serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and help them lead full lives and ensure community inclusion. Their address is: 49 Cedar Grove Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10306.