Obituary of John P. Miller Sr.

John P. Miller Sr; 96, of Tribes Hill passed away May 11, 2021 at his residence with his loving family by his side. Born in Amsterdam on August 26, 1924 he is the son of the late John P. and Cora E. (Brandt) Miller.

John is survived by his two sons John P. Miller Jr. (Harvey Foote) and Dale L. Miller (Bryan Kelley) as well as two grandchildren Christopher Miller (Jennifer) and Sarah Valachovic (Bradley). In addition, he is survived by 6 Great Grandchildren Christopher, Matthew, Joshua and Emily Miller and Nicholas and Andrew Valachovic. The love of his life of 54 years Lorraine (Blazejewski) passed away in 2004. They were married January 6, 1952 at the St. Stanislaus Church in Amsterdam, NY.

He was veteran of World War II, US Army, 34^th Infantry Division (Red Bulls) 168^th Regiment, Company B landing in Casablanca, North Africa in January 1944 before being deployed to Anzio beach head in March of 1944. As a First Machine Gunner, he saw intense fighting and was wounded twice receiving a Double Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Clusters. He fought his way through Italy from Monticatini, Rome, Florence, the Po Valley and Milan. He also received the Bronze Star for Valor, Combat Infantry Badge, European Theatre Badge with Four Battle Stars, Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged December 1945.   

In 1946, John started work as the Chief Lock Tender on the NYS Department of Transportation Barge Canal Systems where he was employed for over 40 years.

He was a devoted husband, father, Poppy to his grandchildren, Great Poppy to his Great Grandchildren with whom he enjoyed life to the fullest. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and woodsman throughout all his life, passing on his immense knowledge of the wonders of nature. His kindness and his sense of humor will be fondly remembered by all who crossed his path during his lifetime.

Residing on Prospect Street in Tribes Hill for 96 years, he was an active member of the Tribes Hill Volunteer Fire Department for 75 years. As a revered and beloved member of Tribes Hill community, he was posthumously honored with the renaming of Mohawk Drive to John P. Miller Way this past Friday. He had many lifelong and longtime friends; Tom and Kathy DiMezza, John Simeone, Mark Brownell, Paul DuBois, Chuck Newkirk, Jack Boggie, Joe and Tom Guiffre, Lenny Soodol, John and Rosemary Raijter, Alex Raijter, Brent Phetterplace, Nick and Amy Bottisti, the gang at the Tribes Hill Deli as well as many other friends transcending all generations. John was larger than life and befriended all he met throughout his life.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff and doctors at HYOH, Dr. Forlano’s office, Christine his caregiver from Visiting Nurses and Amanda and Suzanne from Saratoga Community Hospice.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Monday May 17, 2021 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Mass of Christian will be offered on Tuesday May 18, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, 50 – 52 Cornell Street, Amsterdam with the Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis as celebrant. Burial will follow with military honors in the family plot next to his late wife Lorraine in the St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Masks and social distancing are required at all services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of John may be made to the Tribes Hill Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 112, Tribes Hill, NY 12177, Mountains to Miracles, 1052 Baker Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020, Saratoga Community Hospice, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com.