Carl Nick Milatzo

Carl Nick Milatzo, 93, of Cheyenne Wyoming passed away at Davis Hospice on January 15, 2024.
Carl was born June 29, 1930, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Carl was the youngest of four siblings born to Vincent Milatzo and Nicolina “Nicky” Stephanie Rizzuto. The first child of Vincent and “Nicky” was Frank, followed by Mary, Antoinette, Lillian and last, Carl. Nicky died at the birth of Carl June 29, 1930. After Nicolina died, Carl was coincidentally adopted and raised by a Milatzo cousin, Ignacio “Paul” Milatzo. He and his wife Irene resided in Utah.

Irene and Paul had a son named Bob, who passed away at the age of nineteen serving in the U.S. Marines. Carl spoke of him often and showed his respect for America and the military by keeping a picture of Bob in his wallet, alongside one of his mother, Irene.

Carl’s father Vincent then married Vita (Licata) Restivo, a widow. The Restivo children were Joseph “Iggy”, a cement contractor in Cheyenne, Dominic who moved to California, William, Leonard and a daughter, Jennifer who died young. Together, Vincent & Vita operated the Shoe Repair Shop on Capital Avenue in downtown Cheyenne. Upon Carl’s return to Cheyenne, he joined the Army National Guard.

Carl proudly served in the U.S. Army National Guard of Wyoming for 42 years, retiring in 1990. During his 42 years of service, Staff Sergeant Milatzo was a drummer for the 67th Army Band and a Carpentry & Masonry Specialist. In addition to the Military, Carl was a 3rd Degree Member in Council No. 801 of Knights of Columbus.

Carl’s interests and experience as a craftsman took him many places, and he was always looking for ways to help his neighbors and friends. He was the Maintenance Supervisor at St. Mary's Cathedral for 20 years and became a beloved fixture at the cathedral both before and after his retirement from there.
He also worked for Fowlers Department Store in downtown Cheyenne and was a chauffeur for two elderly ladies. But one of the most repeated and noteworthy talents was Carl’s love for woodworking. He took great pride in the beautiful canes he made for the elderly. He also worked endlessly on his and Darlene’s home where they lived for more than 50 years, making improvements such as building the large patio for family and friends to gather. He often hollered, “Come on in!” even if he had no idea who was at the back door.

He loved to be outdoors, dig in the dirt and he marveled at the produce that came from his annual garden. Carl tended to his garden as if it were part of the family and made sure anyone who came by got to see his tomatoes and cucumbers thriving in the greenhouse he built at the back of his home. Carl also spent a lot of time working at Kirk's garden. He loved the camaraderie and friendship that developed over many years.

Speaking of outdoors, rain or shine, Carl loved to drive his red scooter (and his red T-Bird) around Cheyenne. He greeted everyone with his bigger than life smile and would strike up a conversation with every passerby. Those that met or knew Carl well said that he was a funny man, rather a jokester, who never ever missed an opportunity to tell a joke or funny story.

Mr. Milatzo is survived by his wife Darlene (Barker) and her daughter Mary “Luanne” Herrmann, niece Linda Smyth, nephew Jim Connell, nephew Frank Burke, and cousin Kirk Colbert.
He was preceded in death by his four siblings: Frank Milatzo, Mary Connell, Antoinette "Toni" Ellison and Lillian "Lilly" Shafer, and his parents.
Funeral Liturgy will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 22, 2024, at the Cathedral of St. Mary with Father Thomas Cronkleton.
Interment will be at 1:00 pm Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Cheyenne National Cemetery, 8611 Hildreth Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82009. Military Honors will be provided by the W.A.N.G Honors team.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, where he visited many times, searching for his next four-legged companion. Please also consider donating to the Cathedral of St. Mary and/or St. Mary's Catholic School.