Robert Miller
Robert "Whitey" Miller, age 79, late of Shorewood, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 10, 2019 surrounded by his loving family, after a long courageous battle, where he never once complained and was always smiling until the end. Born and raised in Lockport and a resident of Shorewood since 2008. A proud United States Navy Veteran, serving his country from 1958-1964. Graduated from St. Dennis School in 1953, Joliet Catholic in 1957 and the FBI Academy in 1972. Whitey was employed by the Lockport Police department from 1960, proudly serving as Police Chief from 1971 until his retirement in 1990, appointed Undersheriff for Tom Fitzgerald in 1990-1994, employed by the Will County Coroners Office from 1996-2002. Member of, Will County Police Chiefs Association since 1967, Will County Police Chiefs elected President in 1973, Will County Police Chiefs executive board, former member of Will County MANS and CPAT, Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police former board member-1973, past member of Lockport Moose Lodge #1557, president of St. Dennis School and Parish Council both for 6 years, Will County Police Chiefs Association, life member of both Illinois and International Police Chiefs, Old Timers Baseball Association, Knights of Columbus, former member of St. Dennis Church, Lockport, member of St. Mary Catholic Church and Parish Council, Minooka. Whitey was very proud that the Will County Chiefs named the golf outing "Whitey Miller Classic" after him. Above all else Whitey was a devoted husband, father, dad and papa; his family was his whole world, he cherished his time spent with his grandchildren. An avid golfer, loved diet coke and enjoyed being the family pool boy. He was a gentle soul and kindhearted person. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Preceded in death by his parents, William and Emma (Murphy) Miller; brother, James Miller; in-laws, Attilio and Frances VanZaghi; sister-in-law, Virginia (Walter)Viscum and a brother-in-law, Bruno Roman.
Survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Carole (VanZaghi) Miller; Children, Sue (Greg) Bell, Diane Nowicki and Robert (Lori) Miller; cherished grandchildren, Nick, Sean and Caty Bell, Tyler and Ryan Nowicki and Makenzie and Ethan Miller; a brother, William (Vera) Miller; sister, Jean (Ray) Darin; sisters-in-law, Jyme Miller and Phyllis Roman; and dear friend, Marge Bell. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Whitey Miller Golf Outing, which will benefit both Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Will County and the Special Olympics or the Lockport Police Department Benevolent fund or St. Mary Church, Minooka building fund would be appreciated.
Services will be held, Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in the O'Neil Funeral Home chapel 1105 E. 9th St., Lockport 60441 at 9:30 am to St. Mary Catholic Church, Minooka for Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood with Full Military Honors.
Visitation at the funeral home, Tuesday, May 14, 2019 from 2:00pm until 8:00pm.
Law Enforcement walkthrough, Tuesday evening promptly at 6:00pm.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook or attain directions at: oneilfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by O'Neil Funeral Home and Heritage Crematory - Lockport.
Carole and family, So sorry for your loss. What a Great man.
May he Rest In Peace. Jodi & Bill Dzak / Juanita & Bill Schreiber
Jodi Dzak
May 17, 2019
We are saddened to hear of Whitey's death. He was such a nice man and an asset to Lockport. Our prayers are with you. John and Mona (Hilsabeck) Wilson
John Wilson
May 17, 2019
No words can express your loss. God Bless Bob on his new journy. Everyone that knew him will miss him. Carol Steffes James.
Carol Steffes - James
May 15, 2019
Dear Carole and family,
I was so very sorry to hear of Whitey's passing. He was certainly a pleasure to work and socialize with. He always had a smile even when he was addressing a problem. I know he will be sorely missed by all of his family and friends. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Kay Grace
May 15, 2019
My family knew Robert Miller as he was friends with my brother, Jack, before he died. He went to grade school and high school with him. I knew the family too. He was a nice person. So sorry to hear the news that he passed away. My condolences and sympathy to the family at this most difficult time in their lives. Sympathy to you and yours, Mary Cunico Murphy
mary cunico ,murphy
May 13, 2019
Carole and the entire Miller family our love and prayers go out to all of you. Whitey always had a smile for everyone. May God's healing grace help you all to get through your loss.
Carol & Jerry Richards
May 13, 2019
So sorry for your loss
Frank Schwab
May 13, 2019
On behalf of the John Dzak Family, I send our love and prayer to the Miller Family on the passing of a great guy! Whitey was know to everyone in town. Probably, because he greeted them with that special smile. He will be missed dearly, but having the pleasure of knowing he, will remain in our hearts forever! This man was a treasure to Lockport, and I hope was a role model to his fellow officers and the people of Lockport.
John Dzak
May 12, 2019
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O'Neil Funeral Home and Heritage Crematory - Lockport1105 E. 9th St., Lockport, IL 60441
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O'Neil Funeral Home and Heritage Crematory - Lockport1105 E. 9th St., Lockport, IL 60441
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O'Neil Funeral Home and Heritage Crematory - Lockport1105 E. 9th St., Lockport, IL 60441
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