Milani, Dean Lawrence
Loving husband and father, biomedical engineer and entrepreneur who designed and patented the modern- day form of the defibrillator, died May 21, 2016 at the age of 81.
Born and raised in Chicago, he was the son of the late Dean Joseph Milani and Etta Zocca Milani. He attended St. John’s Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin and George Washington University. He was drafted into the U. S. Army in 1955 and served in the Counter Intelligence Corps.
Dean’s greatest achievements came during his fifty- year career as a biomedical engineer, designing and manufacturing life- saving medical technology. He founded Medical Research Laboratories in the Chicago area in 1968 as a pacemaker manufacturer. However, in 1969, Dean designed the new waveform of the existing defibrillator which became the global industry standard. He continued to improve the technology, designing paddles that could be used internally during open- heart surgery and he created technology that led to the portability of the defibrillator. Dean is also responsible for the use of pulse oxsymmetry and the design of an infrared glucometer.
Dean had a lifelong passion for cars and airplanes. As a younger man, he had a successful career in Formula 2 Racing, managing and driving for several teams, including Meisterbrau and Yenko Stinger. He was an avid pilot and continued to fly through his 70s. His passion for the game of golf made him a fixture at both Kenosha Country Club in Wisconsin and Old Chatham Golf Club in North Carolina.
Dean and his family moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 2009 where he continued his medical research. At this point he began his patronage of the Bean and Barrel, a popular local bar and grill, which he recently bought. It was there that Dean found the joy of newly formed friendships and where so many people came to know and love Dean’s truly unique, brilliant, generous and sometimes provocative character.
He is survived by his wife, Jan Aldridge Milani; and two sons, Dean Harley Milani of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Chesare Joseph “Chezzie” Milani of the home; one grandson, Lucas Robert Milani of Colorado Springs; and his sister, Charlene Hall and her husband, Ben Hall of Covington, Georgia; his in- laws, Dr. Betty Aldridge and John Aldridge; and sister- in- law, Lorra Aldridge Baylis; he is also survived by several longtime friends, Barry Goldberg of Lake Forest, Illinois, Dilip Mehta of High Point, North Carolina and Steve Friedman of Northbrook, Illinois. The family also wishes to thank Carlo Brutto of Boca Raton, Florida for his lifelong friendship and dedication, and Julie Maness Myers for her love and commitment to the continuation of Dean’s business and personal interests.
A small family gathering in Dean’s memory was held at Old Chatham on May 23rd. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, CB # 7295 UNC- CH, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 or online. Arrangements are by Walker Funeral Home of Chapel Hill.