Mark Sandy Milani

Mark Sandy Milani, 68 years old, passed away unexpectedly on October 10th, 2024. Mark was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Silvio Nello Milani (deceased) and Carmella Costello Milani. He was the second oldest of his siblings Jeff, Jason, Randy, Jill, and Neil, and loved them dearly. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces who were all near and dear to his heart, most especially his niece Melissa, whom he grew close with after she moved to North Carolina. Melissa, her husband Rob and daughter Maddie, meant the world to him. His large, Italian family loved to play music together, cook and enjoy meals, and commiserate over our beloved Cleveland sports teams.

Mark especially loved his family, most of all his wife of 42 years, Mary Milani, who was his best friend and soul mate. Mark and Mary shared a love of exercise, music, gardening, traveling, spending time with their grandkids, and relaxing in one of their favorite spots together in Hilton Head. They loved riding bikes on the beach, sitting on the deck looking out at the lagoon, playing music, and having drinks together every Friday evening accompanied by long conversations, karaoke, or playing pool. Their love was a bond most people do not get to experience in their lifetime, and they cherished every moment together. Mark would tell people constantly how much he loved his wife and how lucky he was to have her.

He was the proud father of his son Julius and daughter Ellen. He loved his kids dearly and he embraced their spouses John Cassidy and Carey Milani with love, humor, and kindness. Nothing brought him more joy than being a grandfather to their children Jet, Benny, Hazel, Jack, Mikey, Layla, and Rosalie. At family gatherings, if he wasn’t cooking in the kitchen or outside grilling, you would find him playing with the kids or hoisting the smallest grandkid on his shoulders. Mark was extremely supportive of them and always showed up for his grandkids whenever he could to see them compete in sports or celebrate special moments in their lives.

Mark left his family with cherished memories of his fun-loving and warm spirit. He was always the first to crack a joke and smile. He was incredibly charismatic, talented, and genuine, which brought him immense success in his career. He ended his career at the top of his profession, due in large part to the opportunity given to him by his dear friend and colleague Michael DeMaria.

His loving and generous nature touched people far and wide. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, a word of kindness, or financial assistance to others. Mark was mostly eager to share his deep love for the Lord with everyone he met.

The hole left by Mark’s absence will be hard to fill, but we know with certainty he would tell us to look to the Lord to help us through our grief and not to worry about him – he is walking hand in hand with Jesus and is at peace. Romans 8:18 – “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Please join Mark’s family and friends to celebrate the life of this amazing man at Five Stones Church (1117 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173) on October 26th at 1:00 PM for a memorial service.