Patricia C. Miladinovich

Patricia Louise "Patty" (Colecchi) Miladinovich, 89, of White Oak, passed away on October 2, 2026. Known as Patty to those around her and as Grandma Patty to her family, she lived a life grounded in family, faith, hard work and the traditions of her Italian heritage.

Patty was quiet, principled and deeply loving. She did not need to be the loudest person in the room to make her presence felt. She listened carefully, made people feel loved and heard, and usually spoke last. When she did, her words were thoughtful and deliberate.

Born to the late Ippolito and Giacinta (Di Mareno) Colecchi, Patty grew up with the strong family ties that remained at the center of her life. She loved her siblings deeply and especially cherished the time she spent with her sisters. Those relationships were a lasting source of companionship, joy and connection throughout her life.

On August 21, 1954, Patty married the love of her life, George Miladinovich, at St. Perpetua Church in McKeesport. Together, they built their home and life in White Oak, raised their son and celebrated more than 50 years of marriage.

Patty often expressed her love through caring for others, especially through food. In her younger years, she worked as the head cook at the White Oak American Legion. At home, she was always the last person to sit down because she wanted to make sure everyone else had been served first. No one visited her home without leaving with a prepared meal or a bag of leftovers. Everything she made was memorable, but her zucchini stew held a special place in the family.

Her Italian heritage lived through the meals she prepared, the holidays she celebrated and the traditions she carried forward. She also enjoyed making quilts, tending to her garden and collecting things that were meaningful to her. Her collection of Hummel figurines was especially treasured and held a special place in the home she created.

Her faith was an important part of her life. Patty was a member of St. Patrick Church in McKeesport, part of Mary, Mother of God Parish.

Above all else, Patty was devoted to her family. She was especially proud of her son, Bobby, and held his advice and judgment in the highest regard. As Grandma Patty, she spoiled her grandchildren with the things that mattered most: her time, her love and the life lessons she shared with them.

Patty is survived by her son, George R. "Bobby" Miladinovich and his wife, Debbie; her grandchildren, Christopher Miladinovich and his wife, Lauren, and Jessica Miladinovich; her sister, Virginia Cuturilo (the late Milton "Putt"); and many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Patty was preceded in death by her siblings, Florence (John) Javon, Felix (Mary) Colecchi, Michael "Mikey" (Mary) Colecchi, Anthony "Tony" (Mary) Colecchi, Steve (Catherine) Colecchi, Mary (Andy) Ritsig and Jean (Billy) Grace.

Patty's family extends its heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregiver, Jenn, for the kindness, patience, companionship and loving care she gave Patty. Jenn's presence brought comfort not only to Patty, but also to the entire family.

Patty's legacy can be found in the lessons woven into the lives of those she loved: serve others before yourself, listen before speaking, send people home cared for and allow love to be shown through what you do. Her family will carry those lessons, her traditions and her memory forward for generations to come.

Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from to 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Family and friends will also be received on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Committal prayers and burial will follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park.