William Louis Milarta

William “Bill” Louis Milarta, age 87, formerly of Monroeton, PA, passed peacefully to be with the Lord on early Wednesday morning, May 29, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. 

Bill was born in Jamaica, NY, the eldest son of the late Louis E. & Marguerite Zielke Milarta, Sr. He graduated from Morristown NJ High School and from Rutgers University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Plant Science. He was a proud veteran who honorably served in the United States Army as a Personnel Management Specialist and most recently resided at the NYS Veterans’ Home at Oxford. 

Bill worked in agriculture his entire life: a farmer, a USDA Loan Officer with 22 years of service, and a Real Estate Appraiser. He was a dedicated volunteer at the Troy Hospital and Bradford County Manor. A self-taught professional wood turner, he created many beautiful pieces including lamps, rolling pins, and bowls, to be used throughout the home. He enjoyed gardening and watching hockey, especially the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Bill had a deep, abiding faith and was highly regarded in his faith community. He appreciated spending time with his family and was especially proud of his grandchildren and their accomplishments.

Bill is survived by his three devoted daughters, Susan and Donald Wenzinger of Vestal NY, Lisa Ireland and Michael Zukerman of Seguin TX, and Kathryn and Victor Avila of Carrollton, TX; their mother, Fran Milarta; grandchildren Ryan Ireland, Kelly Ireland (and Kurt Ford), along with Grant, Emma (and Zack Linick), Meghan, and Evan Wenzinger.  He is also survived by his sister Christine Milarta of Monroeton, PA; brother-in-law, Richard Minyon of Camptown, PA; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by siblings: Daniel in 1969, Hope Minyon in 2013, Michael in 2017, Louis in 2021, and Susan in 2022; niece Sabrina in 2006; and sister-in-law Betty in 2002. 

A private Celebration of Life was held at the Homer Funeral Home, 83 Grovedale Lane, Wyalusing, PA, followed by burial with military honors in the Wyalusing Cemetery.   

Memorial donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the Helping Hands Food Pantry, PO Box 233, 137 Main St., Wyalusing, PA 18853 or to the NYS Veterans’ Home Recreational Therapy Department, 4211 State Hwy 220, Oxford, NY 13830.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Homer Funeral Home, Wyalusing, PA. To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to www.homerfuneralhome.com.