attend the official opening of the bleachers on Frank Bailey Field on September 14, 2002.
Union College as a whole and Union College athletics in particular, lost a dear friend and supporter in August with the passing of Joe Milano, Class of 1936. Joe and his wife, Betty, had celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary four days before his passing. Joe was 90.
Born and raised in Schenectady, Joe was a three-sport standout at Union. Captain of the basketball team, he was also a key member of the football and track teams. As a senior at Union, Joe was asked to come out for the lacrosse team where he was promised a starting role. A top performer for the track team, he opted to stay with that squad during his final term.
“One of the few regrets I have regarding my undergraduate days at Union was that I didn't play for the lacrosse team during the spring term of my senior year,” Milano had told friends. “I would have been one of the few who would have started for four different teams at Union.”
Joe and Betty, who could, and did, sit on their front porch and watch Union's tennis teams compete, were
often seen at various athletic events. Joe's love for Union went a lot deeper than athletics. He was an ambassador for the College in every respect. Visitors often commented about the Union memorabilia that decorated his home. Scrap books, old photos and a large collection of curling pins were some of the favorite Union College items on display.
Past president of the Union College Alumni Association, Joe was the recipient of the Alumni Medal for Meritorious service to the college. Betty would often speak lovingly about her rivalry with Union when it came to Joe's love.
Like so many of those who have left us, Joe will be remembered and revered by those who had the privilege to know him.