Richard A Miller

Richard “Dick” Miller, 92, cherished husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather, passed away Thursday, February 28 in Clearwater, Florida. He was born March 9, 1926 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Harrison and Blanche Turney Miller. He grew up in Philadelphia and enjoyed summers at the family’s home in Beach Haven, New Jersey.

Dick graduated as a member of the 181st Class of Central High School in Philadelphia in 1944, where he lettered in varsity baseball and was recognized as a Distinguished Student. He attended Carnegie Mellon (Tech) briefly before enlisting in the Army. Dick served in World War II in Europe as part of the 42nd Infantry Division, which was recognized for gallantry and courage in the liberation of the concentration camp in Dachau, Germany.

After the war, Dick earned his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, where he competed in campus bridge tournaments and represented Penn in the National Intercollegiate Bridge Tournament. He earned his MBA at Drexel Institute of Technology. Dick was a chemical engineer and management consultant for many years in the U.S. and Europe, working for Jordan Chemical Co., Allied Chemical and Phoenix Steel, among other firms.

Dick met Betty Goodrich on the golf course in Vermont and they married in 1964 after a three-month, whirlwind courtship. They lived in Philadelphia and in Woodbury, New Jersey before retiring to Seminole, Florida in 1974 to raise their daughters, Lisa and Susan (and treasured dog Spot). Dick and Betty’s home was always open to Lisa’s and Susan’s friends, where they built lasting and cherished memories over the years.

Dick was an avid golfer and bridge player, and was especially proud of becoming a Ruby Life Master in the American Contract Bridge League with 2398.66 masterpoints. He was also a consummate storyteller, a competitive game player and a devoted Yankees, Rays and Bucs fan. He enjoyed great food, fine wine, classic movies, evening cocktails, family card games and summer vacations to New England and Europe.

We are heartbroken to lose Dad, but we take comfort that he’s with Mom and at peace in God's loving arms.

Dick is survived by daughters Lisa (Michael) Graff of West Bloomfield, Michigan and Susan (Kenneth) Burrell of Clearwater, Florida; grandsons Lukas Graff and Kevin Burrell; sister Shirley (James) Virosco of Florham Park, New Jersey; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Goodrich Miller.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Dick’s honor to Suncoast Hospice or your local Humane Society.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home, 7950 131st Street N., Seminole, FL 33776 \ 727-391-0121.