Joan Mullineaux Milan

On November 14, 2024, Joan M. Milan passed away peacefully at the age of 90, two days shy of her 91st birthday. For those who knew her, she was a good friend, extraordinary athlete, fashion lover, the life of the party and lots of fun to be around. To her family, she was a beloved wife and mother.   

Joan was born to Richard and Keturah (Reynolds) Mullineaux in Fairfield, Connecticut in 1933. She spent most of her early life in Pelham, New York and was the youngest of four children. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Richard (a WW2 aviator and hero) and John (Sonny) and sister, Ann (Kerrigan). An accomplished athlete at a young age, she loved any racquet related sports and excelled at both tennis and pickleball. She was an early adopter of pickleball (back when it was difficult to find a court) and actively played well up into her eighties. Everyone wanted to be Joan's partner, as they knew they would win the match.  

Joan graduated from Green Mountain Junior College in Poultney, VT. with a degree in Fashion. After graduation, she worked as a buyer for Bonwit Teller on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. She was so accomplished in her work, she caught the eye of Bonwit Teller's CEO and was on a successful career path when she met and married Phillips (Phil) Milan in 1955. They had known each other for their entire lives since their families lived in adjacent apartment buildings on Main Street in Pelham, NY.  

Joan eventually returned to college and graduated with a BS in Business Administration from Western Connecticut State College in 1972. She held a number of jobs over the years from substitute teaching to co-owner of a small business, but she most loved working at any tennis facility, where she was always the Manager. 

She was the type of parent who let all her children grow and mature without unneeded oversight and inspired all of them to be self-reliant independent thinkers. A true gift of trust and love that formed her offspring and prepared them well for the trials and tribulations of life. Never afraid to "generate her own field trips", many a day were willingly spent by her brood, investigating museums, world fairs, waterfalls, and amusement parks. For those shared experiences alone, all her children were incredibly thankful. 

Joan is survived by her children, Keith of Austin, TX., Craig of Miami, FL., and Nancy of St. Petersburg, FL.; her loving daughter-in-law, Theresa (Hogan) Milan, son-in-law Glenn Dean, daughter-in-law Cheryl Franck, three grandchildren: Luke, Jake, and Dylan Milan, and one great grandson, Bruce Milan.  

Joan's family would like to extend their gratitude and best wishes to the incredible staff at Addington Place in St. Petersburg, FL., Joan's residence for the last 7 years of her life. Every worker at this wonderful facility deserves our thanks for taking care of our parents in such a caring and loving manner. Of special mention are the various caregivers whose attentive, loving help made such a huge difference in Joan's final months. Thank you, Tonya, Cassandra, Cameisha, Monique, Andrea, and the myriads of selfless individuals whose assistance with our mother was nothing less than miraculous and life affirming to all of us.  

Faith tells us we'll see you on the other side. Please be patient. We love you mom.