Raymond J. Miller Sr.

Raymond James Miller of Las Vegas, Nevada, died Sunday, October 25, 2020, at the age of 73 as a result of a heart attack. Ray was born in Los Angeles, California, on March 12, 1947, to Helen (Kovalski) Miller Kagan and the late Hampton Raymond Miller. Ray graduated from Greenfield High School in 1965 and from Northampton Commercial College in 1966. During the Vietnam War, he enlisted in the Air Force and held duty stations in Monterey, California, and Istanbul, Turkey.

Upon Ray’s completion of his tour of duty, he returned to Massachusetts and graduated from American International College. Knowing where he wanted to be, Ray moved back to California and met his future wife, Rosie Ancheta, in San Francisco. They were married on May 24, 1975, in the Philippines. They made their home in South San Francisco where they raised their son Raymond James Ancheta Miller Jr (RJ). He was a dedicated father and supporter of RJ’s many endeavors. He was immensely proud of him and all his accomplishments. Ray spent a career in finance and retired from the Association of California School Administrators.

During retirement, Ray and Rosie moved to Las Vegas where he enjoyed the weather and Las Vegas Golden Knights. He was an avid sports enthusiast. Never forgetting his roots, he remained a loyal Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan, but adopted all sports team wherever he lived. He could quote statistics and player’s bios and would call his Mom to talk about the games at the half or at the end.

When RJ married and gave him two beautiful grandchildren, he discovered additional pride and joy. Thankful for technology, he was able to share pictures and stories with his Massachusetts family. He loved being a grandfather and cherished every moment.

In retirement, they traveled to the Philippines many times as well as Italy and Hawaii a few times and numerous visits to Massachusetts. You could always find Ray with a book in his hand or staying abreast of current events. He loved a lively discussion, especially with his son.

Ray leaves behind his loving wife of 45 years, Rosie Ancheta Miller, his son RJ, his wife, Hannah Boettger, and grandchildren, Thijs and Pearce Miller of Oakland, California. He also leaves his mother, Helen Kagan, of Greenfield, Massachusetts, and sister, Sharon Mallory, her husband Richard of Leyden, Massachusetts, as well as nephews Nathan (Mary) Mallory of Canton, Massachusetts, Christopher of Leyden and Richard Mallory, Jr (Michelle) of South Hadley, Massachusetts. His extended family includes Rosie’s Dad, Petronio Ancheta of the Philippines, brother in law, Ron Ancheta and wife, Annie, and nieces, Anjel and Anika of Pittsburgh, California. Ray also leaves behind several cousins in Massachusetts.

Ray had a beautiful smile. He was curious and intelligent, he was loving and devoted, and he was a husband and a father. He will be missed long after his passing.