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Robert Miller Obituary

Robert G. 'Dusty' Miller NiskayunaRobert G. (Dusty) Miller, 91, of Niskayuna, died peacefully on April 25 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Walton, NY, he was the son of Harold and Leona Simpson Miller. A graduate of Nott Terrace High School in Schenectady, Dusty joined the Army/Air Forces in 1942 at the age of 20. Stationed in Virginia, he was first assigned to coastal artillery but as the war escalated he answered the call for volunteers in the infantry and was shipped to the European theater. He served under General Patton, fought at the Battle of the Bulge and was part of a unit charged with liberating concentration camps. In 1945 he was wounded in a battle for which he received a Purple Heart. When the Army/Air Forces split into separate branches, Dusty followed the Air Force branch of the military in 1947. After being discharged he became one of the founding members of the 109th Air National Guard where he rendered uninterrupted service through both the Korean and Vietnam wars until his retirement in 1982. He continued to volunteer at the Air Museum until two weeks before his death. His affinity for flight began as a teenager. He built and flew hundreds of model airplanes, an ultra-light, culminating in acquiring a pilot license and owning a 1930 piper cub. He was an avid motorcyclist, taking his last ride at the age of 90. Proud of his Mohawk heritage, he collected Indian artifacts and memorabilia. Dusty is survived by his wife, Muriel (Murph); and children, Terry Rafferty of Canton, Daniel Miller (Carol) of Guilderland, Suzanne (Max) Birdsall of Saratoga, Mark (Christine) Miller of Galway, and his stepson, Mark Dean of West Palm Beach, FL. Survivors also include his five grandchildren, Josh Witkowski, Sarah Birdsall, Molly Birdsall, Dana Miller, Robby Miller; and a great-grandson, Neil Holtermann. Relatives and friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30 at Jones Funeral Home at 1503 Union St., Schenectady. Funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be at the Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his honor may be made to the St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, Montana 59004. www.stlabre.org; Empire State Aeroscience Museum or the charity of your choice. For directions and online condolences, please visit www.jonesfh.net

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Daily Gazette Co. from Apr. 28 to Apr. 29, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Miller

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6 Entries

Daniel G Miller

May 26, 2024

Miss you dad. I miss having the opportunity to ask you questions, and give me advice.

Eric Williams

April 29, 2013

You will be missed by so many in the aeromodeling family. So long old friend. Academy of Model Aeronautics,

Vince (Cow Doc) Castellano

April 29, 2013

Dusty was quite a guy. A true American hero and member of the "Greatest Generation". Always enjoyed his company. Happy he was able to make it to DC to see the WWII Memorial.
God speed.

Daniel Miller

April 29, 2013

He is my dad. I love him and miss him! He was a friend to everyone he knew. He helped everyone in anyway he could. He had a long full life and enjoyed doing so many things, it would be easier to list the things he didn't like; like food or foreign anything.

Dan DeBellis

April 28, 2013

As an Aerosciences Museum member also, it was a pleasure to know Dusty. He certainly was loyal to all the projects he worked at. As far as his military service to our country, he was a true patriot; he will be missed.

The Electric Powered Aeromodelers

April 28, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

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Memorial Events
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Funeral services provided by:

Jones Funeral Home - Colonie

2020 Central Avenue, Colonie, NY 12205

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