Richard Miller Obituary

Richard J. Miller, Sr.
RENSSELAER – Richard J. Miller, Sr. "Pinky," 84, died peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, May 16, 2012.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Theresa (Vecciarelli) Miller; three sons, Mark (Sue Ann) of Pittstown, Richard Jr. (Carol) of Loudonville, and Craig (Julie) Miller of Delmar. He was also the proud grandfather of Zachary, Samantha (Brian), Lauren, George, Oliver, and Avery Miller.
He was the son of the late Thomas W. and Anna Miller, and was predeceased by all of his brothers; William Miller, Roy Miller, George Miller, and Thomas Miller.
Richard worked for the New York Central Railroad, the GAF Corporation, and BASF Wyndotte in Rennselaer, retiring in 1998.
He was a proud member of the United States Army Air Corps during World War II and was stationed in the Pacific Theater for the duration of his service.
He was a member of the Gerald O'Neil American Legion Post for many decades and also a member of the Rensselaer Knights of Columbus.
A devoted Yankee fan, he rarely missed a game. He enjoyed spending winters with his wife at their home in Florida and could frequently be seen driving his red golf cart around their complex.
Although horse racing was not his vice, he enjoyed going to casinos, was a big bingo fan and could always been seen at Walt's in Rensselaer or the local Stewart shops buying his scratch off lottery tickets and Daily Numbers. We believe that the New York Lottery Division will see a significant drop in revenue due to his untimely passing.
He was a good-hearted man, understood that education was the key to personal and professional success and worked hard to put all of his children through private colleges and universities.
He most importantly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and could always be counted on to share a joke, talk politics or simply give a helping hand to those who needed it. He very much enjoyed spending time at his grandchildren's recitals and sporting events.
Richard also valued and respected the Democratic process and actively participated in it. He was a Democratic Committeeman for over 30 years in the Town of East Greenbush and was proud of improving the lives of the hardworking men and women in his community.
His family wishes to thank the East Greenbush Police Department and members of the Bruen Rescue Squad for their assistance.
We will miss our Father greatly.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 21, 2012 at The Parish of St. John The Evangelist and St. Joseph's Church in Rensselaer.
Relatives and friends may also call 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 20, 2012 at W.J. Lyons Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer, New York. Those wishing to remember Richard in a special way may make a memorial contribution to St. John The Evangelist and St. Joseph Church P.O. Box 256 Rensselaer NY 121444 or the Bruen Rescue Squad 1116 Red Mill Road Rensselaer NY 12144. Condolence page at www.wjlyonsfuneralhome.com