Dave Milavec - our hero and protector, who provided for us with unconditional love and sacrifice. Lived “all in'' as a husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. Dave was deeply dedicated to his family and is survived by his wife, Nicole Milavec; children, Jennifer (Andrew) Horvath, Matthew Milavec, Bryten (Justin) Vachon, and Dylan Milavec. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Mackenzie Horvath, Jaxton Vachon, Braden Horvath, and Jameson Vachon, his sister, Karla Empie (Pete Empie - deceased), nephew Shaun Empie (Jean), niece Kim Empie (Dave Sherlock boyfriend), niece Teri Lamitie (Dave), and great nephew Sergent Lamitie. Dave joins his father, John Milavec, mother Joan Milavec, brother Michael Milavec, and niece Christine Empie in heaven.

Dave was a Mechanical Engineer and Project Manager by trade, 35 years in the nuclear propulsion industry excelling as a leader, integrator, mover and shaker, and mentor. Relentless battling for the truth and right outcome, unhindered by opposition. Tenacious, providing high quality, strategic direction, wisdom, and discipline every step of the way.

Dave always worked hard and played harder. He enjoyed boating, waterskiing, hiking, partying, campfires, dirt bikes and motorcycles, snowmobiling, dancing, watching football (San Fran and Kansas City) or movies, being a part of the local fire department (Midway and Jonesville), Aerosmith, and a good wheat beer.

Life is not always easy. His hero and brother, Mike Milavec died when Dave was 14 years old. In 2008, Dave had a motorcycle accident which caused him to lose 2/3 his left leg. Despite that he relearned how to do his favorite lake activities as well as many others. He was diagnosed with Leukemia in April 2023, and after 3 rounds of chemo, a deadly gene mutation TP53, and a week-long stay in the ICU at Dana Farber (Boston Hospital), God peacefully and swiftly brought Dave home on 8/18/23.

We are not promised things will be easy; we are promised that we will be loved, provided for, and a way will be made amidst the struggle (John 16:33). Dave was a firm believer in Jesus Christ and was “all in” for Him. Our hearts are warmed and filled with joy and peace as we are assured that Dave is in heaven looking down on us now. A private celebration of life service will be held by our family.

If you would like to honor Dave’s life with a memorial donation, he would have wanted to pour into our church’s ongoing mission and to save others from going through the same pain he experienced with Leukemia.

Lifeway Church

2230 Lebanon Valley Mall, Lebanon, PA 127042

https://lifewaychurch.life/gi…

American Cancer Society

800-227-2345

https://donate.cancer.org/

We pray for your comfort as you remember Dave. He would tell you that he’s doing more than well and finally able to dance again with his heavenly family! 

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