Ferdinand F. "Fred" Miller

Ferdinand F. "Fred" Miller, age 95, U.S. Army veteran, a resident of Villa St. Benedict in Lisle, IL since 2015, formerly of Naperville, IL and Carillon, Plainfield, IL, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Endeavor Health Edward Hospital in Naperville. He was born on August 26, 1930, in Grove City, PA.
Beloved husband of the late Rosa M. Miller (nee Porpiglia), whom he married August 24, 1957 and who preceded him in death on April 1, 2014, loving father of Valarie Chiapetta, Virginia (Jay) Shawron, Mary (Brian) Bakke, Judie (Dr. Pete) Muraglia and the late Paul (the late Maureen) Milano, adored grandfather of Katie (Lt. Harry) Andler and Nick (Jessica) Chiapetta; Krista (Phil) Engen, Gina (David) Buckles and Mary Shawron; Kyle Bakke; Michael and Matthew Muraglia; Megan (Austin) Young, Alyssa "Aly" Milano and Kristin (Matt) Marconi, cherished great-grandfather of Gianna and Sophie Engen, devoted son of the late Gaetano "Guy" and Pasqualina (nee DiCresce) Miller, dear brother of Virginia (the late Dick) Drexler, Mary (the late Bob) Earl, Eugene (Marguerite) Miller and Jim (Janet) Miller, fond brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, great-great uncle and friend to many.
Fred honorably served his country as a member of the United States Army prior to embarking on his civilian career as an accountant at Montgomery Ward, Campbell's Soup, Pepperidge Farm and Morton Salt.
The highlights of Fred's life were marrying his beautiful wife Rosa in 1957, becoming a father, and raising his five children, living in Naperville Country Estates where he and Rosa forged lifelong friendships with neighbors. Following retirement, they enjoyed living in Carillon in Plainfield where Fred was an active member of the Association, Bocce League, and Golf league. Throughout the years, Fred loved tending his vegetable garden and would eagerly await those first ripe tomatoes of the season.
Fred often spoke of his Pilgrimage with Rosa to Medjugorje where they met all of the visionaries. He cherished having his marriage vows blessed on their 50th wedding anniversary by Fr. David, and the beautiful surprise celebration party that followed!
Fred and Rosa made formal promises to Our Lord to live a faithful and full Christian life, dedicating themselves to Christ and Mary's example of service, when they joined the Lay Secular Order of Servants of Mary in 2004.
Fred was a member of Saints Peter & Paul Parish in Naperville for 33 years, then joined Saint Mary Immaculate Parish in Plainfield for 11 years. His service to God included: Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Eucharistic Adoration, Leader of Saint Vincent De Paul Society, Bible Study Leader, member of Charismatic prayer group with Fr. Michael Lane. He attended and gave witness talks at Life in the Spirit Seminars. Fred was a member of the Cursillo Community. One of his favorite activities was delivering Communion to and visit the Home Bound Parishioners. He prayed faithfully every day and had a Special Devotion of praying Our Lady's Seven Sorrows Rosary.
Fred thoroughly enjoyed his last ten years living at Villa Saint Benedict in Lisle, where he made many new and meaningful friendships, and played Wii Bowling, Poker, and Euchre. He attended daily Mass, took walks to pray in the Grotto, and enjoyed countless visits from family!
Fred's family legacy of love shined brightly even up to the last days of his life. He was a generous, kindhearted, and loving man who adored spending time with family and friends. He loved parties and food, especially his Italian biscotti cookies!
Fred was wealthy beyond belief in family and love. He truly embodied the adage of a life well lived. Even though he has gone to Heaven, Fred created a tapestry of love that will live on through his family and friends.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 4:00-8:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, November 19, 10:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 2220 Lisson Rd., Naperville, IL 60565 with military honors following.
Future inurnment: Naperville Cemetery, Naperville.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred's memory may be made to:
Villa St. Benedict Foundation, 1920 Maple Ave., Lisle, IL 60532, (630) 725-7011 or (630) 725-7015, https://www.benedictineliving.org/villa-st-benedict-lisle-il/giving/
or
Mantellate Sisters, Servants of Mary, 16949 S. Drauden Road Plainfield, IL 60586, (815) 436-5796.
For more information, please visit www.friedrich-jones.com or call (630) 355-0213.