Alan R. Miller

Alan R. Miller, born August 4, 1930, of Naples, Florida, and formerly of Newton and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of Julia and Harold Miller of Brookline and the brother of Harriet Garber, who predeceased him. Alan was the devoted husband of Audrey Lederman Miller, his beloved partner in life and business for 72 wonderful years.
A Lifelong Love Story
Alan grew up in Brookline, MA, and met Audrey in high school on a football field in Cleveland Circle. From that moment, their love story began, spanning nearly 80 years. Their devotion to one another was unwavering carrying them through every joy and challenge in family, business, health, and life's many chapters - they were inseparable. After attending Northeastern University, Alan proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from July 1952 to July 1954. Stationed at Fort Lee in Richmond, Virginia, he and Audrey spent their first year of marriage there, setting the foundation for a lifetime of love and partnership. They built a lasting legacy of family and togetherness that continues to inspire all who knew them.
A Loving Family Man
Alan leaves behind a family who adored him: his children, Linda Miller Seder, Stephen G. Miller and his wife Ronna, and Joanie Miller Freidman and her husband Alan. He was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren, all of whom were inspired by his wisdom, warmth, and entrepreneurial spirit. He cherished his twelve great-grandchildren and was the loving uncle to many nieces and nephews whom he deeply adored.
Affectionately known as Puppie or Puppie Alley by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his love for them was boundless and his presence in their lives was constant. He built strong, lasting connections with each of them-sharing conversations, laughter, and everyday moments that turned into cherished memories.
Jonathan will forever cherish his special bond with Puppie as Alan was more of a father figure to him, a role that Alan cherished. Their relationship was filled with daily conversations, a shared passion for Boston sports, and the honor of having Puppie as his Best Man at his wedding to Laura. Alan also deeply treasured his relationship with Elizabeth and Brett, loving how he stayed connected with their three daughters, spending countless hours on FaceTime, never letting distance stand in the way of his love and connection. One of Elizabeth's fondest memories is doing the 'Puppie Dance' with him, something that made all the grandchildren laugh!
He took great joy in watching Lexi's career flourish - her innate kindness reflected his own values, and she always made time for their weekly calls. He loved hearing about her New York City lifestyle and was thrilled when she became engaged to Shai, embracing him into our family with open arms.
Alan loved following Aaron's journey from childhood sports to his successful business career with immense pride. He adored the beautiful family Aaron and Jamie created with their three girls. He was captivated by Amanda and Andrew's dedication to family life and their children's sports, marveling at the countless weekends filled with games and tournaments. Jessica, his first grandchild, along with her husband Bill, was the first to make him a proud great-grandfather.
Jessica inherited her grandfather's persistence and determination-qualities that defined both of their lives.
Summers on Cape Cod were a cherished tradition for Alan filled with family gatherings, holidays, laughter, and lifelong memories with those he loved most. Alan simply loved his time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Some of Alan's favorite things to do included being the captain of his boat, playing tennis, golf and poker! He deeply cherished his role as the organizer of the weekly
Men's Tuesday lunch group, made up of his closest friends in Naples. He was only worried about who would organize the group keeping them in line when he couldn't.
A Visionary Merchant and Business Leader
Alan, together with Audrey, was a pioneer in the retail industry, founding and operating Audrey's Hideaway, a multi-store women's fashion chain that was ahead of its time. They revolutionized the off-price specialty retail sector, creating a shopping experience that blended quality, value, and innovation. In Jewish tradition, a father's mandate is to teach his children a trade-a responsibility Alan embraced wholeheartedly. His three children joined the family business, which spanned 20 years, where Alan provided them with a foundation for leadership, integrity, independence, success, and strong business values. They were profoundly influenced by his encouragement and always challenged to chase their passions. With Alan's constant belief in their potential, his three children have led very successful professional lives.
Alan's sharp merchant instincts led him to a pivotal role as Chief Merchant at Gordon Brothers' Boston Retail Partners, where he and Audrey worked side by side, leading the Merchant and Operational Teams. His business acumen helped transform the retail liquidation industry, shaping best practices in asset disposition and influencing lending models that remain industry standards today.
Continuing the Legacy
After leaving Gordon Brothers, Alan, along with Audrey, joined their son Stephen and partners at The Ozer Group and Paragon Capital as their Chief Merchandising Officer. Over the last decade, he proudly watched Stephen and his grandson Aaron build SB360 Capital Partners and Second Avenue Capital Partners into industry leaders. These firms reflect Alan's core values- integrity, compassion, and a refined merchant skill set-a legacy of expertise passed down from his father, Harold, and carried forward by each generation.
A Life of Giving
Alan's philanthropic spirit lives on through initiatives that reflect his deep commitment to helping others. His legacy includes the Miller Family Crisis Center Program at Riverside Community Health in Needham, MA, and the Miller Family Graduate School Office at the University of Massachusetts Eisenberg School of Business in Amherst. He was also the inspiration behind the Miller Family Camp Frank A. Day Leadership Initiative and Basketball Life Program, designed to empower young campers with leadership skills that will last a lifetime.
A Legacy That Lives On
Alan will be remembered not only for his remarkable contributions to retail and finance but, more importantly, for the love, wisdom, and generosity he shared with his family and all who knew him. His influence will continue to shape the industry he helped build and the family he cherished.
Donations may be made to the charity of your choice, or in Alan's memory to:
Temple Shalom
In honor of Alan R. Miller
4630 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples, FL 34119 or online at:
https://www.naplestemple.org/payment.php
or
St. Jude's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online at:
https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?frequency_selected=0&dedication=1&sc_dcm=58700008008698866&sc_cid=kwp&sl=memorial-gift&gclsrc=aw.ds&ds_rl=1290690&ds_rl=1291300&ds_rl=1285465&gad_source=1