Livonia: Robert J. Miller of Livonia, NY passed away peacefully after a brief illness on February 5, 2016, at the age of 86. His daughter was by his side. Predeceased by his parents Robert James and Elizabeth Rose (Mesco) Miller, and his sister Elizabeth Barazia. Survived by his wife Patricia R. (O’Dell) Miller and daughter Susanne (Gregory) Allen of Livonia, NY, his brother-in-law Andy Barazia and two nephews. He is greatly missed by the family’s cats who eagerly gathered for treat-time and enjoyed sleeping on his lap.
Bob was born in Brooklyn, NY, and often fondly reminisced about exploring the woods close to his home growing up. He found his niche in school by joining the Midwood High School Rifle Team. He later went on to become an NRA instructor and lifetime member. He served in the National Guard, and opened his own sporting goods shop in Brooklyn where he did gunsmithing for many years.
He and his wife built a home in the upstate hamlet of Old Chatham, NY. There he set up a successful woodworking business, where he produced many custom pieces of furniture. He made items for several historic homes and museums in the Hudson Valley. Upon retiring, he moved to Melbourne, FL where he spent his time building large models of sailing ships, restoring a boat, and going to fleamarkets. He also continued his lifelong hobby of photography.
After many years in the sunshine, Bob returned to New York State. He made many contributions to his daughter’s old-house restorations and built several beautiful pieces of furniture. He entertained the cats and they entertained him heartily. Bob delighted in armchair adventures around the world, often staying with an old friend at 221B Baker St. He found a renewed love of reading, and amassed a huge library of mystery novels, as well as firearm, woodworking and sailing books.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hearthside Cats, P.O. Box 282, Geneseo, NY 14454. To send a condolence, please visit:
www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com