Michael James Milcovich, Our Sweet Boy

On May 24, 2025, I lost my nephew Michael James Milcovich in a tragic accident. He was 4 years old. Michael was a son, a big brother, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin. He was our sweet, sweet boy. Michael is now resting peacefully in heaven.

Everything about Michael was pure. His cackling laughter and stomping happy feet-- pure joy. His love of water, bubbles, and whales-- pure wonder. If you knew my nephew, you know Michael was pretty much never without a whale in his hand. His one-of-a-kind smirk that melted everyone was pure light. Even Michael's love for pizza was pure delight. God gifted Michael with a mind that had pure, limitless curiosity. Michael was love in its purest form. Even his name "Michael" means "Who is like God." Nothing makes more sense than that.

In July of 2020, my brother John and his wife Sarah gave me the best gift I could ever ask for: a beautiful nephew, Michael James Milcovich. For the past almost 5 years, they gave me and my family the gift of watching my nephew grow into a joyful, bright, and tender-hearted little boy. And now, I’ve witnessed a deep sorrow that my brother John and his wife Sarah are walking through, alongside their little daughter Ella, who now has to grow up without her big brother.

Truthfully, when something like this happens, you don't know what to do. You don't know what words to say. There aren't any that fully land. You don't know what wisdom to impart. Never fully sure which prayers are best. There is no playbook for losing a 4 year old son. I find myself lost for words as I am typing this out. I don't know what to do honestly, but I just know I need to at least DO something. Something for my brother John, Sarah, and Ella. Something to honor my sweet nephew, Michael.

So it is with a broken heart and tears in my eyes that I’m starting this GoFundMe on their behalf with their blessing. The last thing they should have to worry about right now is financial stress-- memorial costs, time off work, and walking a path together that few ever have to walk.

This fund provides an outlet to countless friends, family, community to embrace my brother and sister-in-law. Every donation, every share, every prayer helps. These funds will help with immediate needs as well as long term needs, but in the coming months, John and Sarah may also use them to support meaningful causes that reflect Michael’s spirit. They’ve shared a few ideas close to their hearts, but are still discerning the best ways to honor his life and support Ella as she grows up carrying her brother’s memory. 100% of these funds will go directly to John and Sarah to support them and ensure their sweet boy's joyful spirit continues to shine in the world.

Thank you for being there for John, Sarah, and little Ella. Thank you for honoring my sweet nephew.

With the Deepest Love,

Andrew Milcovich, Michael’s Uncle

(Uncle Drew aka "Unka Doo")

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Memorial Information:

A memorial service to honor Michael’s life will be held on Monday, June 9th, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Nativity Catholic Church (6400 Nativity Lane, Burke, VA 22015), with a luncheon to follow. The luncheon will be at American Legion 176 (6520 Amherst Ave, Springfield, VA 22150).

The night before, on Sunday, June 8th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, there will also be a visitation at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home (9900 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032).

All are welcome to pay their respects to Michael and the family.