John C. Miller

1930 - 2021

JOHN C. MILLER

Hadley, MA — John Miller of Hadley, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at his home after battling cancer for three years. He was 91 years old.

John was born to parents Floyd and Genevieve (Pope) Miller on September 29, 1930, in Cumberland, Maryland. After graduating from St. Joseph's High School in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in 1948, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 17 years old. He served as a radarman on the heavy cruiser USS Toledo in the Pacific, including the areas of Japan, Hong Kong, and the Philippines, as well as in the China Sea. He spent the remainder of his four years in the Navy in the Korean War zone.

After being honorably discharged in 1952, John attended the University of Maryland. He served as an apprentice at the U.S. Naval Ordnance Lab and the U.S. Naval Gun Factory Washington D.C. He then embarked on his 37-year career with a then-fledgling manufacturing company, Hardigg Industries. As vice president, John helped guide the company to thrive and grow in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, and Columbus, Indiana. After retiring from Hardigg in 1992, John went on to serve as a consultant to Hillside Plastics, helping them build a new, modern facility for their maple syrup bottle manufacturing company.

In 1954, John met his sister's college roommate, the future love of his life, Peggy Cross. The two wed in July 1957 in Cloppers, Maryland, a day he described as "the happiest day of my life."

The Millers eventually settled in Hadley, Massachusetts, where they designed and built their home of 57 years.

John was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, as well as a communicant of the Most Holy Redeemer Church. John enjoyed golfing, fishing, boating, traveling, model trains, carpentry, driving his beloved Alfa Romeo, watching the Red Sox and Patriots, and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of the Hadley Lions Club, the Amherst/Hadley Knights of Columbus Council 1619, and the former Hickory Ridge Golf Club.

John is predeceased by his parents; sisters Mary Louise Kerrigan and Saranna Beegle; and brother Mike Miller. John is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Margaret "Peg" Miller; 3 children: James Miller and wife Melissa, Pamela Burns and husband Gregg, Sara "Sally" Farnham and husband Michael; 7 grandchildren: Meagan Gammel and husband Michael, Allison Burr-Miller, Elisabeth Miller, Hilary Burns Tucker and husband Stuart, Kyle Burns, Caleb Farnham, Mary Kate Farnham; 3 great grandchildren: James, Lucas, and Samuel Gammel; sister Dolores Gillelan and husband Robert; sister-in-law Sara Cross; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Czelusniak Funeral Home in Northampton will be handling funeral arrangements. Family visitation, funeral services, burial, and reception will be scheduled at a later time. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice to whom the family is forever grateful for all the support and care they provided. To leave condolences for the family, please visit Czelusniakfuneralhome.com.