MILITA, EUGENE J.

Eugene J. Milita, Sr., 78, of Vineland died Sunday evening [September 23, 2001] at home after an extended illness.

Born in Bellaire, Ohio, he moved to Millville at age 3 and had been a resident of Vineland for 41 years. A World War II veteran, he served with the Marine Corps Raiders and was the recipient of the Purple Heart for wounds inflicted during combat in the South Pacific. A boiler fireman by trade, he had been employed by Manischewitz Food Corp. in Vineland before his retirement. From 1952 to 1966, he and his brother, Vincent, owned and operated the Crown Inn on South Delsea Drive in Vineland. He was a member of St. Isidore’s Church, U.S. Marine Corps Raider Association, VFW, K of C and former member of the Bobby-B Gun Club. Mr. Milita was an avid gardener and enjoyed hunting, fishing and clamming.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Thelma (Cole); two sons, Eugene Jr.of Vineland and Terry of Millville; three brothers, Vincent of Tuckahoe, and Thomas and Emmett of Millville; two sisters, Jennie and Virginia Militia, both of Millville; and three granddaughters, Michelle, Danielle and Nicole.

A funeral liturgy will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in St. Isidore’s Church, Vineland. A viewing will be held from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Barbetti Funeral Home, 2014 E. Main St., Millville. Burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery.