Joseph R. "Coach" Miller

Joseph R. Miller, "Coach," 70, of West Ridge Street, Glen Lyon, passed away Friday, Sept. 1, 2017.

He was born in Nanticoke on May 15, 1947, the son of the late Joseph and Evelyn Makowski Miller.

Joe was a life resident of Glen Lyon and graduated from Newport Twp. High School in 1965.

He was employed as a special education paraeducator by the Luzerne Intermediate Unit 18 for more 25 years, retiring in 2012.

He was a member of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Glen Lyon.

Affectionately known as "Coach," Joe was extremely devoted to the sport of basketball. He was the head coach of the Hanover Area Hawkeyes high school boys basketball team from 1987 to 1992, winning the District II championship in the 1987-1988 season. He went on to become the head coach of the Greater Nanticoke Area junior high girls basketball team and assistant coach to the GNA varsity team. Joe was also an assistant basketball and football coach at Hanover Area High School, as well as assistant coach at King's College, Wilkes-Barre. Joe was a volunteer coach for the Newport Twp. Biddy Basketball League and the Newport Twp. Midget Football and referee for the Newport Twp. Little League.

Joe was a member of the Newport Twp. Athletic Club, serving six years as president, a member of the Wyoming Valley Conference Basketball Association and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. In 1978, he received the Newport Twp. Outstanding Citizen Award and in 1990 received the Hanover Area Basketball Team Sportsman Award.

Preceding him in death were his beloved grandmother, Mary "Mamie" Makowski, and loving mother, Evelyn Miller.

Joe was a loving husband of 44 years to Palmira Gregory; devoted father to Shelly Marie; brother to Michael and his wife, Barbara; foster parent to Elizabeth, Dusty and Christina; and an uncle, cousin, loyal friend, coach and mentor to many.

The family extends their deep gratitude to the staff on the sixth floor of the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital and also to the staff of Celtic Health Care, Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre for their wonderful care and compassion given to Joe and family in his time of need.

The family invites you to a celebration of life from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 13 at the American Legion, 62 Newport St., Glen Lyon. Sharing your favorite story would be appreciated.

Divine Liturgy will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 14 in St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Main Street, Glen Lyon, followed by interment in St. Nicholas Cemetery.

George A. Strish Inc. Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., Glen Lyon, is in charge of arrangements.