Joseph Millie Jr.

Joseph “Joe” Millie, Jr., 81, of Lewisville, Texas, formerly of Harmony Township and Coraopolis, a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 30, 2011, following a lengthy and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Joe was born on October 13, 1929 in Smithers, West Virginia. He was the fifth child born to the late Joseph and Katherine (Thompson) Millie, (Milia) Sr.

He proudly served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1953. Joe was a graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and was employed at Capital Airlines, United Airlines, Allegheny Airlines; and he retired after 30 years of service with U.S. Airways on May 31, 1997.

In his leisure, Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on cars, traveling, being a jack of all trades, and most of all spending time with his family. He will be mostly remembered for his compassionate nature and willingness to always lend a helping hand to others. Joe was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Old Economy Village, Ambridge, where he served as Chairman of the Property Committee.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife and the love of his life: Betty E. Millie, who passed away on May 22, 2003 on their 49th Wedding Anniversary. Also preceding Joe are his father and mother-in-law: Carl and Bertha L. Krones; his sisters: Katherine Montgomery, Marietta Cummings McCarrier and Louise Claytor Budal.

Joe is survived by his two daughters and son-in-law: Debra L. Pretnik, Keller, TX; Sherry M. and Randy J. Palko, North Richland Hills, TX; a grandson: Ryan Joseph Pretnik, McLean, VA; brother and sister-in-law: John “Eddie” and JoAnn Millie, Moon Township, PA; sisters and brothers-in-law: JoAnn and John Owad, Groveton, PA; Rosemarie and David Lockerbie, Coraopolis, PA; Shirley and Dickie McNeil, Flint, MI; a godchild: Erin Rodzankas Barrett, Monroe, CT; numerous nieces and nephews and a very dear friend of the family: Butch Kerns, Keller TX.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68, Rochester (adjacent to Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum). His funeral service will immediately follow at 1 p.m. in the funeral home with his long time friend, and friend of the family, Pastor Cletus Fahrion, officiating.

Military Honors will be presented by members of the Beaver County Special Unit at 2:15 p.m. in the Temple of Remembrance (Upstairs Chapel) of Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum, where his entombment will follow.

If desired, the family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Pennsylvania Chapter, Southwestern Regional Office, 1100 Liberty Avenue, Suite E-201, Pittsburgh, PA 15222; telephone 412-261-5040 or toll free telephone: 800-652-3370.

“Dad and Pap Joe, your courage and fighting spirit will inspire us forever. We love you, miss you and will never forget you.” Online condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com.