Twins Gianluca and Joe Milazzo honor mother by providing spark in Manhasset boys soccer win

The large photo was put on display en route to the bleachers late Monday afternoon at Manhasset. It captured a blonde-haired woman flashing a warm smile. And the three words above her served as a tribute and a sad reminder wrapped together:

“IN LOVING memory.”

This was the one-year anniversary of Dr. Fara Vitale Milazzo’s death at the age of 52. Her identical twin sons, standout senior center backs Gianluca Milazzo and Joe Milazzo, were about to play a soccer game for Manhasset in her honor against Roslyn.

This game was meant to raise funds for research and raise awareness about the rare illness that took the pediatrician’s life — appendiceal cancer.

“I’m a little upset, but everyone’s supporting me,” Joe said beforehand.

“Pretty much the same thing,” Gianluca said. “I’m a little upset, obviously … but I think it’s a good way to celebrate our mom’s life.”

After a moment of silence, they went out and honored her memory. The Milazzos contributed defensively to the defending Nassau AA champion’s 5-0 victory. Gianluca contributed offensively as well, making a long run and scoring the fourth goal.

“I prayed before the game, before we started,” Gianluca said. “I asked her to get us this win, if she can. And God, too. Get me a goal, too. And my wish came true. It feels amazing.”

His mother died in the early morning hours of Sept. 9, 2023. That was a day off for Manhasset. Gianluca and Joe showed for practice the next day.

“The way I like to think about it was, it was a way to keep my mind off it,” Gianluca said.

The team attended the funeral.

“These guys, it’s like a second family to us,” Gianluca said.

The twins continued to attend every practice and games.

“Her last wish was [or them] to move forward to enjoy all the things that you always have loved before,” Manhasset coach Mark Giardino said.

He called the two fifth-year starters “tough, unselfish, dedicated, resilient, humble.”

Joe called his mom “probably the most caring person ever. … Always trying to help others.”

And she loved seeing her boys play.

“If I could say one thing, it would be please get regular checkups and colonoscopies,” her husband, Dave Milazzo, told the crowd at halftime. “Fara would've loved to be here tonight. She lived for her sons Joseph and Gianluca and came to all their soccer games. She was the quintessential soccer mom.”

Anyone interested in donating money toward this appendiceal cancer cause can visit @setsoccer on Instagram for the link.