Michael “Big Mike, Moose” Milanovich, 68, of Algonquin, died peacefully on May 12, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Big Mike was born on June 22, 1956, a Friday, in New Jersey, the son of Milan and Lydia (Ellich) Milanovich. On November 9, 1991, he married Cynthia Anne Vallorani.
Big Mike was a co-founder of Quantum Foods and a longtime seller, broker and sourcer of protein, having sold over 700 million pounds in his career. He was an offensive lineman at Maple Shade High School, Wake Forest University and with the Cleveland Browns. He is in the Maple Shade High School Hall of Fame for football, baseball and wrestling. He loved coaching and coached both football and girls’ track at Marian Central Catholic High School. Big Mike loved life. He enjoyed golfing, the race track, spending time with friends and family, taking Slivo shots, and was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, Penn State and Alabama football. Big Mike was an incredibly generous man and a devout Catholic. He had an uncanny ability to make anyone around him feel like they were the most important person in the room. He was a devoted husband, father and friend who touched many lives around him and who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, 6 months, and 3 days, Cindy Milanovich, and his children, Marie and Milan. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Milan and Lydia.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 2–6 p.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL. Burial will take place at Huntley Cemetery, 11500 Dean Street, Huntley, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Mayo Clinic for mucinous adenocarcinoma cancer research.
For further information, please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
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Mike was truly an awesome guy. So many great memories growing up. One of my favorites was when we cut school after baseball season and went Monanaco in Millville. What a crazy day. He will be missed. Rest in peace my friend ❤️
I am heart broken to learn of Michael's passing. He was such a wonderful man, husband and father - and God has another angel. My prayers and condolences to you, Cindy, and Marie and Milan and your family. Rest in peace Michael. 💔
so sorry. I loved that boy dearly
So sorry, my family received so much from our friend Big Mike. Rest in peace.
Janelle and i are so sorry to hear about "Big Mikes" passing. I always enjoyed talking with him. Glad we got to share some BBQ at Dreamland a couple of months ago. Prayers to all the family.
I have certain memories of Big Mike that come to me regularly. My thoughts for his family.
Rest in Peace Mike You will be missed but memories of you will live forever
Words can’t describe how sad we are, Cindy. We know how happy you were with Mike. Praying that he’s enjoying everlasting life in the Lords Kingdom. 🌷🌴
Cindy, Marie & Milan, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mike. I wish I could comfort the sorrow that you are all feeling right now. But remember that he is in a better place right now looking down on all of you. Prayers for you all.
Sending our heartfelt prayers and love to your family at such a difficult time. And mostly, peace for Mike, as well as for you all.
Mike was larger than life with a generosity that knew no bounds. And though he didn't live nearly LONG enough, he most surely lived MEANINGFULLY enough, touching so many. Revelation 21:4 promises death will be no more...see you on the other side Big Mike.
I am so sorry to hear this. Big Mike was one of the greatest memories from my Quantum days. My deepest condolences, may he rest in peace.
Big Mike was a joyful and generous soul, and his memory will surely live on as a blessing. Peace be with your family.
When Mikey’s parents passed away, my parents basically took him in. He was like an older brother to me when I was younger, but as life moved on, and we went our own direction, we lost contact. I was so sad to hear that he passed and I send my deepest thoughts and condolences to his family.
Mike has been my dearest friend for most of my adult life. He has always had the best personality and love for life! I was so surprised and heartbroken to hear the news. Mike was one of those “Heroes” that only comes along once in a lifetime. The good Lord has an outstanding angel guarding the gates of heaven. We know Big Mike will still be looking over Marie, Milan, and Cindy, the loves of his life ❤️ Rest in Peace my friend 🙏
Mike was truly one in a million. He loved life, he made everyone feel welcome and he had a huge heart. He will be truly missed, and I think I can speak for most, if not all, and say we are ALL better people because of Big Mike. He touched so many people in every walk of life, but he would be the first to say that his proudest parts of his life are his family, his lovely wife Cindy, his daughter, Rie Rie, and his son, Milan. He loved them with all of his heart, and we are so thankful that you were all able to be with him these past several days. I'm know that meant the world to him. May Big Mike rest in peace.
Cindy , very sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers . May Big Mike rest in peace . God bless
So sorry, my condolences to the family. Mike's magic to make feel people great will be terrible missed. May he rest in peace
I went to school with Mike from kindergarten through high school - he was a great athlete. He looked great at our 50th MSHS reunion in September, and he shared much about his family. Praying for comfort for his wife and children!
There was only 1 Big Mike. He was a great guy and will be missed.
Mike is a once in a generation type of person. His warmth, generosity and compassion radiated every moment. I met and worked with Big Mikie during his time at Quantum and my time at Taco Bell. There were hundreds if not thousands of suppliers that I met during my career, but obviously only a few you become friends with and stay in touch with years after the work relationship passes. Mikie was one of these people that stay in your life forever. I am soooo sorry for your loss. I hope that I will see Big Mikie up in heaven, I know he is there, I just hope I’m good enough to make it too.
At Maple Shade High School, Mike (Moose) was Big Man on Campus. Because of his extraordinarily wonderful personality, I’m sure this title followed him through life. It brings me tremendous joy to see his beautiful family. He deserves the best of everything. His kindness is remembered throughout my life. May he rest in peace. May the family’s pain over his loss be short-lived. May his memory be a blessing.
I still can’t believe you’re gone. It’s hard to accept that you won’t be here to share a laugh, a conversation, or simply your presence. You were more than a friend — you were a brother in life, someone I shared moments with that I will always carry in my heart. Your departure leaves an immense void, but also a deep mark on everyone who had the blessing of knowing you. I will miss you always. Thank you for everything you were. Rest in peace.
RIP Coach Mike , Fly high into eternal life. Thanks for all your efforts and sacrifices coaching at Marian Central !
I was shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of Big Mike. I had the pleasure of working with him over the past 5 years, and one would be hard pressed finding a kinder and more genuine soul. Condolences to Cindy, Marie and Milan. May God comfort you through this difficult time.
I will always smile when I think of you! The laughter we experienced doing business and the friendship that grew over the years will let you live large in my mind forever. I hope you get to experience every ice cream flavor Bruster’s offers in heaven! Tee it up with Blackie, Stan and Bill and Rest in Peace, Pain Free, my brother.
Cindy, Marie & Milan, We are so very sad to hear this news. May our Lord surround you all with His love and earthly angels to support you during this time. Our prayers are with you.
Mike, you were family to me, until we meet again my dear friend.
I was Mike’s high school baseball coach for 3 years. He was the heart of the team and a real team leader. He played hard and inspired his teammates to do the same. Those teams exceeded expectations as expressed in the media and elsewhere. Mike won First Team All County honors as a first baseman. It was a much deserved honor. I am sorry to say that I lost track of Mike and most of those men after their graduation. I thought of them often and related many memories of Mike and others to my family. He is missed. I love the picture of him that you posted. That face and smile never changed over the years.
Cyndi, Marie, Milan, we are so sorry to hear this news, Mike was a beautiful soul. Unfortunately we are leaving out of town today and won’t be able to make the services. Our love and prayers are with you. We have such fond memories of the best cul de sac ever, best neighbors and so many fun times. Praying for Gods peace as you figure out how to move forward without his earthly presence. Kathleen, John, John and Jamie
Cindy, my deepest condolences go out to you and the kids! Mike was a great guy and will be missed.
Cindy, Marie, and Milan, our deepest condolences go out to you. We were truly saddened to hear about Mike. He was always so kind and welcoming to us. He was generous and had a huge heart. It was always great to talk with him and hear some of his stories. He will be sorely missed. May God grant you peace and strength during this difficult time. Rest in Peace Big Mike.
So sorry for your loss ..thinking of you and your family
I am so very sorry to hear this. I will hold all of the family close in my prayers. God Bless❤️❤️❤️
We are heartbroken over the loss of Michael, a truly remarkable man whose kindness, faith, and infectious spirit left an indelible mark on all who knew him, including the team at mayo clinic. To Cindy, Marie, Milan, and the entire Milanovich family, we offer our deepest sympathies. May you find solace in the cherished memories and the love Big Mike shared so generously. His legacy will live on in your hearts.
Mike was a great man and friend. His smile could bring joy to everyone around him. I will miss the smile and the way enjoyed life. God speed my friend.