Joseph Peter Miller, 80, U.S. Navy Veteran
Joseph Peter Miller, a resident of Amherst, passed away Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at Fairview General Hospital in Cleveland after a lengthy illness. He was born February 6, 1921 in Avilla, PA moving to Amherst 46 years ago.He was a veteran and served during World War II in the U.S. Navy as a flight engineer/tail gunner. He worked for American Crucible retiring after 31 years in 1984 as Foundry Plant Manager. Prior to that, he worked at Harrison Manufacturing in Birmingham. He also worked part time for the Gin Mill in Elyria Township as a bartender and the Dinner Bell in Elyria Township as a cook. He was an avid hunter, enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and working in his mini foundry at home.
Survivors include his sons, Joseph Miller, Jr. of Deerfield Beach, Fla., Peter Miller of Amherst, John Miller of Amherst, James Miller of Lorain, his daughters Vivian Balzer of Avon Lake, Mary Varady of Amherst, Anne Fuller of Elyria Township, Nancy Miller of Las Vegas, Nev., 19 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren; brother Paul Miller of Elyria; sister Betty Figula of Elyria.
He was preceded in death by hi parents Joseph and Elizabeth (nee Kochis) Miller; his brother Albert Miller and his sisters Rose Banovich and Mary Kochis.
Funeral mass will be held Friday at 3:00 p.m. from the St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church; 41295 North Ridge Rd. East, Elyria. The Rev. James Ols, pastor of St. Vincent DePaul, will officiate. Burial will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetic Assn. PO Box 2380 North Canton, OH 44720, the American Heart Assn. 1689 E 115th St. Cleveland, OH 44106 or to St. Vincent DePaul Church.
Arrangements are being made by Hempel Funeral Home.