Mark Richard Milardo went to rest eternally with the Lord on February 23, 2025. Mark was beloved by his family and friends, a devoted husband, father, and Papa, and respected by his peers in the community, the United States Air Force, and Civil Service.

Mark was born in Newington, CT on October 4, 1957. He graduated from the Robinson Preparatory High School in 1976, the place where he met his wife and forever love, Cindy Wong. He went on to graduate from Central Connecticut State College in 1981.  He completed United States Air Force Officer Training School and commissioned on August 28, 1981. His dream was to serve in the Air Force, just as his father had done.

Mark and Cindy married the very next day in Newington, CT on August 29, 1981. They drove across the country to start their life together at Mather Air Force Base, CA where he began his Air Force Navigator training. Upon completion, Mark and Cindy began the first of many adventures, moving to Kokomo, IN to join the 305th Air Refueling Squadron. Here, they welcomed their first daughter, Kara, on December 26,1985.

On the move once more, Mark was assigned to the 451st Flying Training Squadron at Mather Air Force Base, CA in December 1986. He dedicated himself tirelessly to his squadron and to earning his graduate degree in Public Administration from Golden Gate University in 1989. Mark and Cindy welcomed their second daughter, Kristin, on March 4, 1990. Mark and Cindy enjoyed traveling throughout California and taking in all the area had to offer before their assignment to Headquarters Air Training Command at Randolph Air Force Base, TX in August of 1990. While in San Antonio, Mark’s love for Spurs basketball and the fiesta lifestyle grew. He and Cindy met some of their best and closest friends here and enjoyed the culture of San Antonio.

Mark, Cindy, Kara, and Kristin moved to Colorado Springs, CO in January 1994 where Mark was the Operations Officer and later the Commander of the 50th Training Squadron at the United States Air Force Academy. They immersed themselves in the Air Force Academy life – enjoying the Air Force football and basketball games, serving as a sponsor family for numerous Cadets, and taking in the wonder and beauty of the Colorado landscape. Colorado Springs became the place where the family laid their roots, and where Mark’s smile, passion, and exuberance continued to touch lives everywhere he went.

Mark celebrated his retirement from active duty on July 31, 2001. He went on to Civil Service for USNORTHCOM beginning in August 2001, where Mark was instrumental in establishing national security programs in direct response to 9/11 terror attacks. He served here until 2021, where he was passionate about his work, the difference he was making in our world, and his colleagues he respected so much. He was so enthusiastic about the work, that even after his Civil Service retirement ceremony on March 31, 2021, he continued in a contractor role to support the mission until 2023.

Throughout these milestones, Mark and Cindy’s family continued to grow. Mark welcomed his first grandson, Luke, on December 6, 2013 and first granddaughter Leila on June 14, 2017. He loved his grandchildren immensely and found great joy in spending time with his family, traveling with them, visiting them, and sharing in life’s great moments both big and small with the people he cared deeply for. Mark also loved playing basketball and staying active, practicing his faith and participating in bible study, and eating endless bowls of pasta. “Cindy’s Kitchen” was his favorite restaurant. 

Known for his selflessness, generosity, and kindness, Mark is leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and humility.

Mark is predeceased by his father Michael Richard Milardo and mother Marie Melluzzo Milardo. He is survived by his wife Cynthia (Wong) Milardo, daughters Kara Schumacher (Doc, Luke, and Leila) and Kristin Ellis (David), his brother David Milardo (Elizabeth), and his nieces, cousins, aunt, and uncle.

Family, friends, and colleagues are invited to honor and celebrate Mark at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (2650 Parish View, Colorado Springs, CO, 80919) on Monday, March 3, 2025. A rosary and visitation will take place from 9:30AM – 10:00AM, with Funeral Mass to follow from 10:00AM – 11:00AM. Light refreshments will be served in the parish hall from 11:00AM – 11:30AM. Burial service, including Military honors, will begin at 1:30PM at Fort Logan National Cemetery (4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO, 80236).

Mark was passionate about donating to the church – if you are interested, donations can be made in Mark's memory to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.