Gabriel Philip Milanese, Jr.

Gabriel Philip Milanese, Jr., 56, of Coatesville, passed away after a lengthy illness on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at the Neighborhood Hospice Center where he was surrounded by his family.  He was the devoted husband of Patricia (Rigoroso), with whom he shared 31 years of marriage.

Born at the Chester County Hospital, he was the son of Jacqueline (Melrath) and the late Gabriel Philip Milanese Sr.

Gabe was a 1974 graduate of Coatesville High School and a 1976 graduate of Goldey-Beacom College, graduating with a degree in Business Administration.  Gabe worked as the President of Milanese Remodeling of Thorndale.

He was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church of Coatesville.

Gabe was a member of numerous organizations, including Future Business Leaders of America, The Coatesville Jaycees, Coatesville Optimist Club, Western Chester Co. Chamber of Commerce, South Coatesville Borough Council, Chester County Republican Committee, PA State Republican Committee and was an Installation Master with the American Architect and Manufacturing Association.

Gabe received numerous awards, including the BF Rich Windows and Doors "Quality First" award and Durasol Awnings, "Million Dollar Club".  He was a Eucharistic Minister at O.L.R. Church.

In 2012, Gabe's family and friends rallied at the Brain Cancer Foundation's "Race for Hope" in Philadelphia, and "Team Gabe" raised over 12 thousand dollars towards the cure of brain cancer.

In his spare time, Gabe enjoyed gardening, traveling, cooking and was the family photographer.

He will be remembered by all as a kind and compassionate loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.

In addition to his wife, who cared for him tirelessly throughout his illness, Gabe is also survived by his beloved children: Theresa Katherine and Gabriel Philip, III; and his siblings, Linda Kerschner, wife of Gary, of West Chester, Michael Milanese, husband of Kim, of Coatesville, Mark Milanese of Coatesville, Dean Milanese of Roanoke, VA and John Milanese of Honey Brook; mother-in-law, Shirley M. Rigoroso; and siblings-in-law, Grace Sagnor, Bernadette Sardella, wife of John, Benny Rigoroso, husband of Kim and Tish Ray, wife of Kris; as well as numerous loving nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 29th at 10:30 AM at the Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 80 S 17th Ave  Coatesville, PA 19320 followed by interment at the All Souls Cemetery of Coatesville.  The viewing will be held on both Sunday evening from 6 until 9 PM at the Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St., Parkesburg and again on Monday morning at the Church from 9:30 until 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the "Gabriel Milanese Jr. Foundation", C/O Citadel Bank, ATTN. Jacqueline Garress, 4051 West Lincoln Hwy., Parkesburg, PA 19365.

Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com