On Saturday, August 7, 2021, Milo Joseph Valencic, loving and devoted husband, incredible father of two, and devout Catholic, passed away at the age of 71.

Milo was born April 30, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio to Milo and Mary Valencic. He served in the Navy as an F-4 Phantom jet engine mechanic on board the USS Ranger from 1968-1974 and went on to receive a bachelor's degree in engineering from Florida Technological University (today known as the University of Central Florida). He began his career as an engineer/draftsman at MW Kellogg in Houston, Texas and in 1979 went to work for Florida Power & Light, where he would spend the remainder of his career.  Retiring in 2013 as the supervisor and stores manager for FP&Ls combustion turbine warehouse in Indiantown, FL.

In July 1982, Milo married the love of his life Dori Bednar and together they raised a son and daughter, Adam, and Amanda. His family was his greatest passion, there was not a time when he did not put his family first.  He sacrificed furthering his career, his own hobbies, and interests to be there for his family. He often took on many of the same interests his kids did to spend more time with them.

When his son took an interest in Scouting, he jumped in with both feet and was Troop 840's Scoutmaster, Asst. Scoutmaster, Executive Officer, Scout Show Chairman, Committee Member, and Crew advisor. He earned many awards, a few being the District Award of Merit, Scouters Award, District Spark Plug, and the highest being the Silver Beaver award which is granted to those who perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service. There is no better way to describe Milo Valencic, his character and continuous desire to better his community.

Anyone who knew Milo would tell you, behind his family, his next greatest joy was his Jeep. He bought this jeep as a graduation gift for himself in 1976, and he often joked that when he did pass, he wanted to be buried in it. Unfortunately, after speaking with the Veterans National cemetery he is going to have to settle for full military honors without his Jeep. Milo's blood ran red, white, and blue, in the 15 years since completing a full restoration of his Jeep in 2006. He did anything he could to showcase it at events, parades, and reenactments. He loved to educate the public and to also show his gratitude to the veterans that came before and after him. One of his greatest joys was any opportunity he had the talk to another veteran; his family would often joke that when he spotted a fellow veteran anywhere that "we better find a bench because it was going to be a while until he was ready to go." His Navy ballcap was probably his favorite piece of clothing, and about the only time he took it off was when his wife threw it in the wash to clean it.

Milo supported many local causes including the Road to Victory Military Museum (RTVMM) and that was a place you could find him on many Saturday mornings volunteering his time. He was also a supporter and regular attender of St. Andrew Catholic Church.

He was a jack of all trades, and fixer of all problems. He would rather figure out how to do something on his own than pay someone to do it for him.  He was an avid reader, researcher, and overall had a lifetime love of learning and sharing what he knew with those around him. If there was a rocket launch, meteor shower, weather notable, he knew it, including how many inches and what time it rained yesterday. He was a Hamm radio operator, KF4TOC and volunteered with the Martin County Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

Milo was preceded in death by his father, mother, and stepmother. He is survived by his wife Dori, his son Adam, daughter Amanda, and brother Eddie, along with numerous relatives located in Ohio, California, and Slovenia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, September 2, 2021, at Saint Andrews Catholic Church on Cove Road, Stuart, Florida at 11am.  Following the Mass there will be a celebration of life luncheon at 1:00 pm at the Corinthian Yacht Club, 4725 SE Capstan Avenue, Stuart for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an organization that Milo supported:

• Road to Victory Military Museum
• Veterans Council of Martin County Inc
• St Jude

An Online Guestbook is available by visiting www.treasurecoastseawinds.com