Search by Name

Search by Name

Dean L. Milani

1935 - 2016

Dean L. Milani obituary, 1935-2016, Chapel Hill, NC

Dean Milani Obituary

Milani, Dean Lawrence Loving husband and father, biomedical engineer and entrepreneur who designed and patented the modern-day form of the defibrillator, died May 21, 2016 at the age of 81. Born and raised in Chicago, he was the son of the late Dean Joseph Milani and Etta Zocca Milani. He attended St. John's Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin and George Washington University. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1955 and served in the Counter Intelligence Corps. Dean's greatest achievements came during his fifty-year career as a biomedical engineer, designing and manufacturing life-saving medical technology. He founded Medical Research Laboratories in the Chicago area in 1968 as a pacemaker manufacturer. However, in 1969, Dean designed the new waveform of the existing defibrillator which became the global industry standard. He continued to improve the technology, designing paddles that could be used internally during open-heart surgery and he created technology that led to the portability of the defibrillator. Dean is also responsible for the use of pulse oxsymmetry and the design of an infrared glucometer. Dean had a lifelong passion for cars and airplanes. As a younger man, he had a successful career in Formula 2 Racing, managing and driving for several teams, including Meisterbrau and Yenko Stinger. He was an avid pilot and continued to fly through his 70s. His passion for the game of golf made him a fixture at both Kenosha Country Club in Wisconsin and Old Chatham Golf Club in North Carolina. Dean and his family moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 2009 where he continued his medical research. At this point he began his patronage of the Bean and Barrel, a popular local bar and grill, which he recently bought. It was there that Dean found the joy of newly formed friendships and where so many people came to know and love Dean's truly unique, brilliant, generous and sometimes provocative character. He is survived by his wife, Jan Aldridge Milani; and two sons, Dean Harley Milani of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Chesare Joseph "Chezzie" Milani of the home; one grandson, Lucas Robert Milani of Colorado Springs; and his sister, Charlene Hall and her husband, Ben Hall of Covington, Georgia; his in-laws, Dr. Betty Aldridge and John Aldridge; and sister-in-law, Lorra Aldridge Baylis; he is also survived by several longtime friends, Barry Goldberg of Lake Forest, Illinois, Dilip Mehta of High Point, North Carolina and Steve Friedman of Northbrook, Illinois. The family also wishes to thank Carlo Brutto of Boca Raton, Florida for his lifelong friendship and dedication, and Julie Maness Myers for her love and commitment to the continuation of Dean's business and personal interests. A small family gathering in Dean's memory was held at Old Chatham on May 23rd. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, CB #7295 UNC-CH, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 or online. Arrangements are by Walker Funeral Home of Chapel Hill.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 24, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Dean Milani

Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Sara Rooth

May 18, 2023

I adored Dean. Dean was a true friend, one of a kind. When I found myself in a difficult situation and very ill, Dean tried to save me. Shortly thereafter I learned of his passing. He made time for me when he was very ill, which I did not know until later. Dean was brilliant, accomplished, a stellar man, ever so kind and giving of himself, and very much loved by many. For his family, many, many people thought the world of Dean. He indeed loved Jan and Chessie. He was very kind to my Daddy. Dean was a world class treasure and is missed very much.
Sara Rooth

Philip

January 7, 2023

Park Ridge 1971

Joyce Spohr

May 26, 2016

I appreciated Dean's brilliant mind his quick wit and his friendship. My thoughts go out to Jan and Chessie. I am truly sorry for your loss.
He will be sorely missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Dean Milani's name

Memorial Events
for Dean Milani

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill

11680 US Highway 15 501 N, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

How to support Dean's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Dean Milani's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more