(July 26, 1935-November 23, 2013)
Joan Milano, 78, ascended to Heaven November 23rd to be with the lord. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph Blanca and Anne Blanca(nee Spina). Survived by her children, Joan Cifranic(David), Robert Eppich(Melanie) and Bodacious, her canine companion who she loved and spoiled so much. Her greatest joys were her grandchildren, Daniel Eppich, Nicholas Cifranic, Michael Eppich and Emily Cifranic. As a proud graduate of Shaker Heights High School, Joan went on to attend Northwestern University. However was unable to complete her studies due to her mother’s grave illness, returning to Cleveland to attend to her mother’s medical needs. Joan married Donald Eppich (deceased) during the fall of 1955. Joan relished being a wife and stay at home mom but like many women at the time went into the workforce. Joan worked in the ticket business for all the major Cleveland sports teams, Indians, Browns, Cavaliers and Crusaders as well as at the Colony Theatre, Cleveland Opera and Blossom Music Center. Later in life, she married Ramon Milano (deceased) who introduced her to the food service business and went to work for Executive Caterers prior to founding Milano’s Restaurant at the Gates Mills Towers in 1982. After a successful ten year run there, she moved the restaurant to the Cuyahoga County Airport location and changed the name to JB Milano’s. Joan sold the restaurant in 2005 retiring at the age of 70. Her later years were spent actively involved in the ministries at St. Paschal Baylon where she raised money, fed and clothed the homeless until her health no longer allowed her to do so. Joan’s persistent influence, charisma and kindness never went unnoticed–never to be forgotten. Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. Saturday November 30, 2013 at St. Paschal Baylon Church. Interment Lake View Cemetery. The family will receive friends at VICCHIARELLI FUNERAL HOME 5252 MAYFIELD RD., LYNDHURST (BETWEEN BRAINARD & RICHMOND) FRIDAY 4-8 P.M.
Vicchiarelli Funeral Home 