Obituary of Robert A. Miller

Robert A. Miller, 79, of Bleecker, NY, passed away on July 26, 2011, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born July 15, 1932, in Stamford, CT to Abraham S. and Florence Jayes Miller. He married Barbara A. VanDerwerken of Darien, CT on May 25, 1956. Robert was a graduate of the J.A. Wright Technical School in Stamford, CT where he earned his master mechanic license. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War Era as a flight instructor. Robert and his brother Paul relocated to Fulton County, NY where they became partners, owners, and operators of Gloversville Auto Parts, Inc. The brothers exemplified the rugged individualistic American spirit of the small business man. Retiring in 1987, Robert was seldom seen without one of his beloved Golden Retrievers at his side. He enjoyed travelling and square dancing. He and his wife, Barbara, were members of the Sacandaga Swingers Square Dance Club and the Kropf travel group. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, hiking, boating, fishing and gardening. He especially enjoyed assisting his friend Milt Brooks with his maple syrup production and cutting firewood with friends Milt Brooks and Al Maidment. Robert enjoyed spending time at camp with his family on the Mississippi Lake in Ontario, Canada. He also enjoyed knitting socks and mittens for his children. After enjoying several years of retirement, Robert obtained a CDL license and returned to work part time for National Transportation Brokers in Fultonville, NY. He retired again in 2008 from this position. Robert served the Town of Bleecker in several capacities including Town Councilman, Assessor, Deputy Town Supervisor and on various advisory committees. He also served for many years as an official weather observer for the National Weather Service in Gloversville, with a substation in Bleecker. Robert is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara A. Miller, two sons: John W. Miller Antoinette of Argyle, NY, Eric S. Miller of Oak Harbor, WA, two daughters: Robin Goodrich Robert of Broadalbin, Sandra L. Miller of Monson, MA, 7 grandchildren: Christopher Miller Bethany, Nicolas Miller, Anthony Miller, Audrey Miller, Lauren Miller, Benjamin Miller, Christen Goodrich-Shea Dennis. Additional survivors include a sister: Lynn Dennis Robert as well as a sister in law: Gladys Miller. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by a brother, Paul A. Miller. Family and friends are invited and may call from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday July 29, 2011 at the Kobuskie-Konik Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville. A funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday July 30, 2011. Interment will follow in Bleecker Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contribution may be made in memory of Robert to the Alzheimer's Association of New York, Pine West Plaza, Bldg 4, Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205. Please visit the family's online guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com