Maria (De Lucia) Milanese

North Greenbush - Maria Milanese, 87, passed away peacefully Monday August 18, 2025.

Born in San Marco Evangelista and later moving to Brezza, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Giovanni De Lucia and Carmela Papa and wife of the late Girolamo Milanese. She began helping on the family farm early in life, adopting a self-sufficient lifestyle out of necessity. During her twenties, she met her husband Girolamo, who had returned from the United States to seek his future spouse. She subsequently joined Girolamo’s immediate family and established her home in Troy. 

Maria spent most of her years dedicated to being a homemaker and to the upbringing of her three sons. Whenever she could find the time however, she also enjoyed working as a seamstress, most notably for Cluett, Peabody & Company. Although she herself did not have the same opportunities, she stressed education for her children and was proud to see them all cross the stage as college graduates. Maria’s talents shined best with her cooking and gardening. Family meals were always home cooked with the family seated together at the dinner table. Sunday dinners were always special - served early afternoon after church services. Ingredients were always fresh and often came from her own garden. She could grow just about anything including a fig tree which continues to thrive to this day. Each year the family would pitch-in with the tomato harvest and the yearly ritual of making tomato sauce; store bought sauce was never an
option!

Later in life she moved to Brunswick where Girolamo and their sons built their dream home.  After becoming empty nesters, she and Girolamo settled in North Greenbush, where they spent their final days.

Survivors include her three sons, “Joe” Giuseppe (Davelyn) Milanese, North Greenbush, Giovanni “John” (Gretchen) Milanese, East Greenbush and Mario (Marie Cantanucci) Milanese, North Greenbush; her grandchildren, Marisa Milanese DeVito (Nicholas), Daniella (Max Ellis), Tara, Joseph and Matthew Milanese; her sister Concetta Messina in Argentina as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins living in the USA, Italy and Argentina. She was predeceased by her brothers Giuseppi, Niccolo, Domenico, Pasquale DeLucia in Italy and her cherished dog Sabrina.

Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home Inc. 276 Pawling Avenue Troy on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 4-7 PM.

Contemplating being a nun early in life, Maria’s Catholic faith remained a focus in her life where she was a communicant of St Mary’s Church. In keeping with the family’s faith, funeral service will be held Friday, August 22, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church Troy where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. John Yanas, Pastor.

Entombment will be in St. Mary’s Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Maria Milanese to the Alzheimer's Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17 Chicago, IL 60601. We recommend using the brycefuneralhome.com website to share or send condolences, light a candle, view videos or for service directions.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maria (De Lucia) Milanese, please visit our floral store.