Robert Allen Miller

U.S. Navy veteran and former local businessman, Robert Alan Miller, 80, of Cambridge, passed away Friday (Jan. 8, 2010) due to complications from pneumonia. Bob was survived by his wife of over 52 years, Mary Frances Estelle Trainor Miller, and their four children, Joseph Alan Miller of New York, N.Y., Michael Scott Miller of Eagan, Minn., Julie Anne LaFollette of Caldwell and Brian Paul Miller of Miami, Fla.; six grandchildren; and a sister, Patricia Lanning of Cambridge. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Beulah Miller; and siblings, Cecil Jr., Richard, Roderick, Betty Fahner and Donald. Bob was also preceded in death by a brother who passed away in infancy. Bob was born June 16, 1929, in Cambridge. He was a graduate of Cambridge High School. Bob and Mary wed Sept. 2, 1957, in Ellsworth, Maine, and honeymooned in Quebec, Canada. Bob's career in the U.S. Navy took his family and him around the world. He was stationed in Alaska, California, Washington, The Philippines, Maine, Spain, Okinawa, Morocco, Florida, Japan and Maryland. He also spent many months in Philadelphia Naval Hospital recuperating from polio which he contracted while stationed in The Philippines before meeting Mary. In Maryland, he worked for the National Security Agency. He was repeatedly promoted and awarded for his skill in maintaining cryptologic (codemaking) equipment. Bob followed his heart back to Cambridge in 1972 where he continued to raise his family. He owned and operated Miller's Camera Repair Service for 25 years. Countless local residents, businesses and schools relied on Bob to repair photographic and projection equipment. He was known for his honesty and often refused payment if he felt a piece of equipment was uneconomical to repair. Bob was a dedicated member of St. Benedict Catholic Church. For years, he hosted social hour after Sunday Mass. Bob was a dedicated volunteer for the Boy Scouts and served as Scoutmaster of the Troop 534 for many years. He was frequently honored for his volunteer work by the local Boy Scout Council. In his free time, he enjoyed camping, photography, music, auction sales, cooking Chinese food, spending time with his family and he loved an excellent cup of hot coffee. Those who knew Bob will remember him as a generous, loving, even-tempered and humorous man. He will be missed by his family and friends. Visitation will take place Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Thorn-Black Funeral Home, Cambridge, with a Wake service at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be Tuesday (January 12, 2010) at 10 a.m. at the St. Benedict Catholic Church, Cambridge. The Rev. Fr. Robert Borer will officiate. Burial with military rites by the Guernsey County Veterans Council will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cambridge. Memorial contributions may be made to the Muskingum Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America, 734 Moorhead Avenue, Zanesville OH 43701.