ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Gene Milowicki, 48 years old, born on January 2, 1964, and passed away on September 23, 2012. We will remember him forever.
September 28, 2023
September 28, 2023
When I met Gene at our Saturday morning pilot breakfast in Newport, RI, I realized that he was a special man. Quiet, dignified, smart (brilliant), unassuming and definitely an “Officer and a Gentleman”. As time went on and I got to know him better, I found out that Gene had a photographic memory. At breakfast one Saturday we were all talking about ADSB/GPS etc., and there were several different opinions being expressed. At one point, I asked Gene for his input and with the entire table listening, he essentially gave us a tutorial and explained it in detail with the ability for all of us to understand the practical aspects of the process. He had the technical manual memorized, but was able to explain it so all of us had that “Ah-Ha” moment. Everyone knew from that day going forward, He was the Man.

When he made the announcement that he was going to retire from the Navy and extended an invitation to all of us to attend the ceremony at the Officers Club, I knew the it was going to be a once in a lifetime event. I flew my Arrow up from Ocala, Fl to show support and join my fellow pilots in honoring Gene’s special day. Only Officer l ever met with Gold Wings and Gold Dolphins. Speaks volumes!

It got even better when he told me that he had accepted a position as, Director of Aviation Program, Aviation Center of Excellence, Florida State College at Jacksonville.

Gene and I became flying buddies, would schedule or call at the last minute to pick a fly and meet place for a lunch get together. He also had animal magnetism. Flew to Ocala late one afternoon, we had dinner and thunderstorms prevented him from flying home. So as our first overnight guest, our cats, Pitot and Static, who usually hide underneath our bed when a stranger arrives, detected that Gene was a cat man and we’re all over him. In fact, the next morning he told me that both cats had slept with him. Speaks volumes about the man.
I have so many great memories our friendship and wish that he was still here, miss him everyday and pray that he is at peace. 
Until we meet again!
October 1, 2022
October 1, 2022
Hard to believe it is 10 years already. I remember how stunned we all were as your 18th company classmates, perhaps because you are the first we have lost.

I remember seeing your “Arsenal” in the sub school BOQ, the tour you gave when I spent a week with you on that big target in the Med and many other crazy things. Not many people can wear golden wings and gold dolphins too.

You are missed but I’m sure you are in a much better place.
September 24, 2022
September 24, 2022
Ten years ago today, we lost my brother Gene. I try very hard to push back the ugly memories of the days and weeks surrounding his death, and try to focus instead on honoring his glorious life. I remember the words of so many people who conveyed to my family and me how much Gene meant to them, and how he made a difference in their lives. And I think about the difference he made in my life, and how grateful I am to have had him in my life for the 48 years that he lived. And I think of peaceful images of him soaring through the heavens - the place he loved more than any other - looking down on my family and me and watching over us. I know that he is my angel and that he feels my love. And I feel his...

Be at peace, my sweet brother. You are loved and you are missed.
September 23, 2021
September 23, 2021
The years go by so quickly - I think about Gene so very often - wondering what he’d think about certain things, wishing I could ask his opinion about things, missing him
September 23, 2021
September 23, 2021
It is never easy to remember and face this day when it comes around every year, but I choose to make it a day of reflection on the love and kindness that came forth from so many people as we moved through those difficult days, weeks, months... You are loved and will always be remembered, Gene.
January 3, 2021
January 3, 2021
I’ll continue to celebrate your life. Forever missed.
September 24, 2020
September 24, 2020
Still miss Gene’s camaraderie and his zest for aviation. Still wish there had been a different outcome.
September 23, 2020
September 23, 2020
So often in our thoughts- forever missed, deeply loved.
September 23, 2020
September 23, 2020
We mark this day every year, but you are missed every day. Life changed when you left us, but we do what we can to honor you and fill the void with goodness. You are loved and remembered, Gene.
September 23, 2020
September 23, 2020
Thinking of Gene today. It seems like yesterday he was here and supporting our efforts at FSCJ. I can still see him walking around eating his daily apple. I'm enjoying looking at all of the photos posted here of happy times. He is still in our thoughts.
January 3, 2018
January 3, 2018
Thinking of you on your birthday and sending so much love...❤
January 2, 2018
January 2, 2018
Celebrating the birth of one of the best people I ever knew. Your time with us was too short but such a blessing.
January 3, 2017
January 3, 2017
Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Still thinking I will just run into Gene one of these days. That would be joy.
January 2, 2017
January 2, 2017
Another birthday has come, and we all still miss you more than words could ever say. Sending you love on your special day...
September 23, 2016
September 23, 2016
It's the fourth time this date has rolled around. I don't need the anniversary to miss you, but it hits a little harder on this date. Our lives are different without you. Thinking of you today and always with love.
September 23, 2016
September 23, 2016
So often in my thoughts Gene, your life remains precious to me ....always.
January 2, 2016
January 2, 2016
Happy Birthday, my sweet brother. You are loved, remembered and missed so very much.
September 25, 2015
September 25, 2015
Three years and I even though I now live and work overseas, I still think about Gene. Happy contrails my friend.
Pat Murphy
September 23, 2015
September 23, 2015
On this day, an anniversary date that weighs heavily on so many of us, we remember and honor you. With Love, Your Sister
January 5, 2015
January 5, 2015
I saw you today when I was taking my Christmas cards down. I saw you in niece Cari's smile - wow. What a wonderful surprise- miss you Gene.
January 2, 2015
January 2, 2015
Happy Birthday, Gene. I hope you are looking down on us and can see how much you are loved and missed.
September 24, 2014
September 24, 2014
So often I think about Gene - in some strange way hoping that it's all some mistake and that he is living peacefully somewhere out of harms way - missing his friendship.
September 24, 2014
September 24, 2014
Two years. In some ways, it seems as though time has stood still. This is such a difficult day for all of us, Gene, but there is some comfort in knowing that you are watching over us. Be at peace, my sweet brother...<3
January 5, 2014
January 5, 2014
Happy 50th Birthday, my sweet brother. You can not begin to imagine how much we all miss and love you. I hope you are recovering from a blowout birthday bash in heaven. <3
December 11, 2013
December 11, 2013
Hardly a day does not go by that I do not think about my colleague who had more PASSION for aviation than anyone else I know. RIP my dear friend.
Pat Murphy
December 9, 2013
December 9, 2013
I am genes nephew and I didn't get to see him a whole lot and it has been a over a year now since he died and we miss you uncle gene and I'm very happy that you aren't suffering anymore you will be forever missed
September 23, 2013
September 23, 2013
It's been one year without you. We feel your loss so deeply, but we try to find peace in knowing that you are in peace. That you are no longer in the darkness. You are free. We miss you.
January 2, 2013
January 2, 2013
Milo - You will be missed shipmate. It was a honor serving with you, in the Topcats. You truly exemplified all that was good, right and decent in the world. I wish I would have known you were hurting so bad. Fair Winds and Following Seas brother. - Trigger
December 25, 2012
December 25, 2012
Remembering your smile as we all do our best to get through the first Christmas without you. We didn't get to see you every year at Christmas time, but we always knew you were there. So that's how it will be this year. We know you are there with us in spirit. Please smile up there in heaven for us.
November 22, 2012
November 22, 2012
Milo, fellow Topcat and my department head. I will always remember you as an attentive leader and meticulous, conscientious individual. You and your love ones are in my prayers.
November 7, 2012
November 7, 2012
Remembering a good man with a very gentle soul and spirit - who was not meant to be part of the violence this world has to offer but who, unselfishly served this country with the utmost honor in combat and was never able to shake those horrors - so, he instead, with other obstacles now taking shape in his life - sadly and tragically, took his own. No more sadness. Rest in Peace, Gene.
November 3, 2012
November 3, 2012
It's always sad to hear of those who have left this life prematurely, especially so when their life path and yours have crossed. Gene and I were on the faculty together at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. I'll always remember his warm smile, his reaching out to collaborate and cooperate, and the helicopter he piloted for me. Thanks for sharing the ride.
October 17, 2012
October 17, 2012
My Dear Nephew - Many family gatherings; visits to the Naval Academy-and Graduation, what a day-how honored I was to be there-President Reagan spoke; my only ride in a helicopter, piloted by him; Dom Perignon champagne for my birthday! The most honorable, responsible, and ethical young man one could know. Tears are falling from my eyes as I write. Rest in Peace, Genie. Love, Aunt 'Jake'
October 16, 2012
October 16, 2012
What we have once enjoyed we can never lose...
All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.

You will always be a part of your wonderful family Gene. You will live in their hearts forever.
October 10, 2012
October 10, 2012
Dear Gene,

You are remembered. You are missed. You are loved. You are loved. You are LOVED. Rest in peace...
October 10, 2012
October 10, 2012
Gene was a blessing to me and my family most all our lives, a friend in highschool, penpal in college, and then a faithful faithful loving friend who prayed for my children, set an impeccable example for them and made us ALL better people by his honorable life and complete love.
October 9, 2012
October 9, 2012
I have worked for Gene for the last two years and can't think of anyone I admire more. I retired Navy but admire how far he went. Upon checking into FSCJ he took me flying in his Cessna and I was immediately hooked. Trying to get my P.P. license because of him. Just when I thought he wasn't very cool He showed me his motorcycle. I will always look up to him as a leader and a friend!
October 7, 2012
October 7, 2012
I am Gene's classmate from USNA. I did not get to know him well there, but our paths crossed many years later in our careers. I always respected the career he forged and will remember him fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
October 6, 2012
October 6, 2012
Gene and I were classmates and fellow Aero majors. He was a great guy - smart as a whip and always good to have around. Whether it was homework or letting some classmates crash on his hotel room floor after a wedding reception in Annapolis, he was always there to help out. I was sad to hear the news of his passing - my thoughts are with his family.
October 5, 2012
October 5, 2012
To Gene's sister Diane and family. Gene was a real "OFFICER and GENTLEMAN", and I am so thankful having had the privilege of working for such a wonderful professional boss at FSCJ's Aviation Center. I will always remember Gene, and the terrific First Annual Fall and Retirement party that he honored me at on 10/28/11.     My Deepest Sympathy and Prayers to all of Gene's loved ones.
October 4, 2012
October 4, 2012
Gene - flying buddy RI & FL

I will cherish the wonderful flying adventures we shared, especially our Sun 'n Fun memories. Your passion for flying will go on forever as your spirit soars. You are "The Officer and a Gentleman" and will be missed...Rest in Peace, my friend.
October 4, 2012
October 4, 2012
Gene - Classmate and Squadronmate,

You were and are a man of honor, unwavering devotion to your passions and duty, and dedicated loyalty to the people around you. You will always be remembered as a man of the greatest integrity.
Rest in Peace, Fair Winds Milo.
October 4, 2012
October 4, 2012
I remember Gene from French classes and yearbook staff in high school. What a quiet spirit -- and such a gentle smile. Though we lost touch after high school I was always proud when I heard of his exploits and successes, which were well deserved. Prayers and condolences to all his friends and family.
October 4, 2012
October 4, 2012
I'm so sad to hear about this. Gene was a good friend of mine in high school. We had many classes together but I really got to know him when we were on the yearbook staff together in high school. I have many memories of hanging out in the yearbook office / AV room during our study halls. I only talked to him a couple times after high school but several times I looked for him on FB or tried to see
October 4, 2012
October 4, 2012
I only knew you through your sister but higher praise and adoration there could not be. Her face would always beam when talking about all you had accomplished...all that you were. Her face does not shine as brightly at the moment. Even though she knows you are at peace..there is loss. But the stories keep coming and the pride is there...and her face will shine again soon. Peace Gene!
October 3, 2012
October 3, 2012
Gene – watch over us from above and keep us safe. I know that your spirit will forever soar above the clouds, where you loved to be more than anywhere else in this world. I will gaze out at the horizon and feel you there beside me always…
October 3, 2012
October 3, 2012
"Gino - I'm picturing you riding through the pearly gates at 120mph on your Honda Shadow...no decal required...no ID necessary.... I know the Good Lord has his arms wrapped around you. I know you will forever be at peace, my friend. Your integrity, honor, and character will never be surpassed and will always be thought of and admired by all who had the pleasure of knowing you..."

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Recent Tributes
September 28, 2023
September 28, 2023
When I met Gene at our Saturday morning pilot breakfast in Newport, RI, I realized that he was a special man. Quiet, dignified, smart (brilliant), unassuming and definitely an “Officer and a Gentleman”. As time went on and I got to know him better, I found out that Gene had a photographic memory. At breakfast one Saturday we were all talking about ADSB/GPS etc., and there were several different opinions being expressed. At one point, I asked Gene for his input and with the entire table listening, he essentially gave us a tutorial and explained it in detail with the ability for all of us to understand the practical aspects of the process. He had the technical manual memorized, but was able to explain it so all of us had that “Ah-Ha” moment. Everyone knew from that day going forward, He was the Man.

When he made the announcement that he was going to retire from the Navy and extended an invitation to all of us to attend the ceremony at the Officers Club, I knew the it was going to be a once in a lifetime event. I flew my Arrow up from Ocala, Fl to show support and join my fellow pilots in honoring Gene’s special day. Only Officer l ever met with Gold Wings and Gold Dolphins. Speaks volumes!

It got even better when he told me that he had accepted a position as, Director of Aviation Program, Aviation Center of Excellence, Florida State College at Jacksonville.

Gene and I became flying buddies, would schedule or call at the last minute to pick a fly and meet place for a lunch get together. He also had animal magnetism. Flew to Ocala late one afternoon, we had dinner and thunderstorms prevented him from flying home. So as our first overnight guest, our cats, Pitot and Static, who usually hide underneath our bed when a stranger arrives, detected that Gene was a cat man and we’re all over him. In fact, the next morning he told me that both cats had slept with him. Speaks volumes about the man.
I have so many great memories our friendship and wish that he was still here, miss him everyday and pray that he is at peace. 
Until we meet again!
October 1, 2022
October 1, 2022
Hard to believe it is 10 years already. I remember how stunned we all were as your 18th company classmates, perhaps because you are the first we have lost.

I remember seeing your “Arsenal” in the sub school BOQ, the tour you gave when I spent a week with you on that big target in the Med and many other crazy things. Not many people can wear golden wings and gold dolphins too.

You are missed but I’m sure you are in a much better place.
September 24, 2022
September 24, 2022
Ten years ago today, we lost my brother Gene. I try very hard to push back the ugly memories of the days and weeks surrounding his death, and try to focus instead on honoring his glorious life. I remember the words of so many people who conveyed to my family and me how much Gene meant to them, and how he made a difference in their lives. And I think about the difference he made in my life, and how grateful I am to have had him in my life for the 48 years that he lived. And I think of peaceful images of him soaring through the heavens - the place he loved more than any other - looking down on my family and me and watching over us. I know that he is my angel and that he feels my love. And I feel his...

Be at peace, my sweet brother. You are loved and you are missed.
Recent stories

“Put on your big girl panties”

August 13, 2018

I never liked Mr. Milowicki much. He had his nose in everyone’s business, and he talked like he knew it all. One day he found out I hadn’t taken my checkride yet, but I was well over the minimum hours required, I had received my sign off, and he knew I was looking for every excuse in the book to get out of completing the training because I was scared of failing. He pulled me into his office, looked me square in the eye, told me it was time to put on my big girl panties and get the checkride over with. 

I never looked at him the same again. He was the kick in the pants I needed. I also realized that day he was in the same squadron as my late husband, and they shared an affinity for the S-3. 

This week 2 pilots committed suicide using their airplanes. I think of Mr. Milowicki a lot, but this week especially. I wish I had thanked him for the inspiration. Maybe if he knew he had inspired even just one of us at the college, his life would have been a bit different. 

Fair winds, GM

My Brother Gene and the Year of Firsts

September 24, 2013

My brother isn’t here any more.

That may seem like a rather obvious thing to say but - let me tell you - it has taken me all this time to be able to say those words and actually know that they are true.  And there are still some days when it doesn’t seem real.  Those days are fewer in number than they used to be, but they still occur.  It usually happens when I look at pictures of him.  How can this vibrant, smiling face not exist anymore?  There is something so surreal about seeing a picture of someone you never got to say goodbye to. In my brother’s case, he quite literally vanished.  His plane went down and he was never found.  Or my disbelief happens when someone I don’t know very well asks me about my family, and the inevitable question comes up about how many siblings I have.  That question takes my breath away every time it comes at me.

Yes – I still have those days when it is not real for me.

September 23, 2012, is the day that my brother Gene took his own life in the midst of some unspeakably tragic circumstances and, clearly, unbearable pain.  It has been one year since this happened – a year which I now refer to as the Year of Firsts.  And I am glad the Year of Firsts is finally over.  We have managed to survive the first day after learning the news; the first Christmas without him; the first occasion of his birthday since his death; the first full family photo taken with Gene missing; the first Mother’s Day that my mother had to endure without her son; and, now, the first anniversary of his death. Yes – I am glad that this year has come to an end.            

I will forever view that day as a dividing line in my life – life before September 23, 2012, and life after September 23, 2012.  That day changed me for sure, as it has changed my other family members and many of Gene’s friends.  I don't think any of us can ever be the same. 

One thing that I have learned in the Year of Firsts is that I think we really struggle with letting people know how much they mean to us and how they’ve touched our lives while the people are still here on Earth with us.  In my brother’s case, I am quite certain that he had no idea of the multitudes of people who care deeply about him and miss him greatly.  I have met dozens of them in the past year – and when I look into their eyes that invariably well up with tears at the mere mention of his name, I am overwhelmed by the depth of their emotion for this man that I knew as my little brother.  What a great man he was – in ways that, in some cases, I did not even know about until he was gone. 

I miss my brother terribly.  We always lived so far apart from each other from the time we left the house and went to college, and getting together was never very convenient.  I wish I had been better at writing letters and cards to him while he was away on long deployments during his Navy career.  I wish I had made more of an effort to call him more often and just check in.  I wish I had had more opportunities to see him doing the things he loved to do.  I wish I had found a way to cheer him on as he ran one of his marathons.  I wish I had been able to go see an air show with him.  I wish we had made time to take a real vacation together rather than just a quick couple of days together every now and then. I wish we could have gone to Paris together.  We talked about that a lot, but never made it happen. 

I guess I just wish we had had more time.

My brother was an amazing man.  Not perfect by any means, but truly amazing.  He was absolutely brilliant beyond anything that I have the ability to comprehend.  He was an aviator, a submariner, a nuclear engineer, a Francophile, a military strategist, a marathoner, a scholar, an incredibly gifted writer, a marksman, a cat lover, an avid reader, and a perfectionist.  He was a son, a brother, a husband, an uncle, a godfather, a boss, a teacher, a mentor, and a friend.  He was honest to a fault, and conducted his life by the highest moral code.  He was generous, responsible, independent, gentle in spirit, and passionate about everything he did.  It is important to continue to remind myself of all of these things, so that I remember the 48 years of his life that he lived so well, and not the final two months of his life that were filled with such darkness and pain.  I do not know if he lived with this darkness for longer than his final two months; I guess he must have, but I can tell you that I never saw it.    

There are reminders of him everywhere I turn.  I have photographs, certainly, but I never realized until all of this happened how many things I have around my office and my home that came from him.  I save just about everything that anyone has ever given me, so I have all the cards and letters and postcards he sent to me from all over the world.  I have little bits of Navy memorabilia that I never even realized I had collected – paperweights, hats, ship patches, and pendants.  I have birthday and Christmas gifts that he gave to me over the years, including my favorite two – a beautiful wood inlay music box from Sorrento and a stuffed white tiger.  Oh yes – and the GPS device he bought for me that I no longer have use for but I can now never get rid of.  I have a box of newspaper clippings of his achievements over the years, along with programs from his Naval Academy graduation and his retirement from the Navy.  I posted a photo of him shaking hands with President Ronald Reagan as he received his Naval Academy diploma.  That was a day that we will never forget.  I have the shirt and other souvenirs I bought when my youngest brother Tom and I visited Gene in Rhode Island, and he took us on such a wonderful tour of Newport and Boston.  I have some of his French novels that he had left at my mom’s house once he moved out on his own. And I suppose the greatest treasure that I have is one of the models he built of one of his favorite helicopters – something that he made with his own hands that I look at every day to keep him near.  I am surrounded with memories of him, and I will forever cherish these objects that transport me back to the experiences that we shared together over the years.  I am so very proud of him – in awe of him, really.  Did I tell him that often enough?  I hope I did, but I don’t really know.  I hope he knew… 

I love my brothers with all my heart.  I have four of them.  One of them is an angel sitting on my shoulder…  

Cats & Planes

October 4, 2012

I only knew Gene from his time at FSCJ.  Besides our love of aviation, we shared a love of cats.  I was also his flight instructor at FSCJ for his commercial pilot certificate rating in airplanes - single engine.  I truly enjoyed the time we worked together at the college.  He was a rare person of vision, energy, passion, and integrity.  I will miss the flying - and the talks about our cats!

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