John J. Milks

Dedham - John J. Milks of Dedham, formerly of North Brookfield died peacefully on Thursday, August 20, 2020, at the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Roslindale of complications from Parkinson’s Disease.  John is survived by his son, Lt. Col.  John Kevin Milks, U.S.A.F. Ret., and his partner Martha Nykiel of Dedham, his daughter, Melinda Tripp and her husband John of North Brookfield, his daughter, Mary Milks of Douglas, his daughter, Cara Caporelli and her husband Carmine of Taunton, his son Daniel Milks and wife Laura of Simpsonville, SC and his son, David Milks and his companion Lita Basconcillo of Kanehoe, HI.  He also leaves his loving sister, Zita Funk of Irving, TX, 11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  John was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Marilyn L. (Bott) Milks, his sisters, Patricia Flogel and Kathleen Jungblut, and his brother, William Milks.

John was born in Dubuque, Iowa on January 19, 1934, son of Mary (Mulligan) Milks and Andrew Milks.  He graduated from St. Columkilles in Dubuque in 1952.  He then attended Loras College and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He married the love of his life Marilyn in 1956 and moved to Massachusetts.  John was a successful salesman who eventually started his own company named after himself.  He was a proud Irishman who loved to read history, being a teacher and mentor, loved to tell a good joke, winter in Palm Springs and most of all sing and dance.  God broke the mold when he made John.  He was a longtime member of St. Joseph's Parish in North Brookfield.  He will be greatly missed by all.

Due to the pandemic, a private graveside service for John will be held at a later date.  There are no calling hours.  Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131.

Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 E Main Street in West Brookfield is assisting his family with arrangements.  An online guest book is available at varnumfuneralhome.com.

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