Richard J. Miller

NILES - Richard J. Miller, 89, passed away peacefully at 5:10pm, Saturday; August 9, 2014 at Vista Care at the Ridge following an extended illness. He was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania on December 15, 1924 to Alonzo J. and Johanna (Mann) Miller. Richard was known by family, friends and associates as Dick. He graduated from Youngstown East High School in 1943 and received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Youngstown State University in 1951 and attended the National Training School for Scout Executives. Dick was a Navy Veteran of World War II serving from June 8, 1943 to February 28, 1946. His scouting career spanned 55 years, from 1935 to 1939 as Cub Scout troop leader at Saint Andrew;s Church, Youngstown, 1952 to 1955 as a field scout executive in Ashtabula, Ohio, 1955 to 1964 as the district executive for Western Reserve Council, Warren, 1964 to 1974 as Senior district executive for the Greater Cleveland Area Council, 1974 to 1976 as the Explorer program executive , Warren, 1979 to 1989 as Senior district executive for the Blackhawk Council, Rockford, Illinois. Dick was very community minded and was the senior vice commander of VFW Post 4192 of Mineral Ridge, member of the Falcon Lodge IOOF, a member of the Niles Rotary Club, Bugby Grange, Saint Luke's Episcopal Chruch of Niles, and served on the church Vestry, financial secretary and Sunday school teacher. Dick is survived by his wife the former Helen E. Ennett whom he married on November 20, 1948, a daughter Alice Ann (John) Riffle of Niles, a son Richard D. (Debbie) Miller of Akron, a brother Robert E. (Barbara) Miller of Tucson, Arizona, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters Phyllis J. Miller and Margaret J. Miller. At his request, there will be no calling hours and a private funeral service will be held at Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home with the Rev. Donald Hall officiating. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Bratton Court at Vista Care at the Ridge for their excellent care of Dick over the past several years