Ronald Lewis "Ron" Millar Jr.

Ronald Lewis Millar Jr., 75, of Wheaton, Illinois, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on the afternoon of January 8, 2026.

Ron was born in 1950 in Chicago, Illinois, to Ronald Lewis Millar Sr. and Margaret Millar (Connolly), both of whom preceded him in death. He spent his early childhood in the Rogers Park neighborhood before moving to Elmhurst, where he attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School and York High School.

Throughout his life, Ron called many places home, including Northlake, Addison, and Lombard, Illinois; Yardley, Pennsylvania; and Simsbury, Connecticut. For the past 37 years, he resided in Wheaton, Illinois, where he built lasting friendships and a life deeply rooted in family.

Ron dedicated 40 years of his career to the steel and coil-coating industry with Material Sciences Corporation. Through determination, intelligence, and an extraordinary work ethic, he rose from his beginnings as a third-shift production operator to become President of the Laminates and Composites division, a $200 million business unit. His professional journey stood as a testament to perseverance, leadership, and the belief that opportunity can be earned through hard work.

He is survived by his children: Ronald "Ron" Millar III (LaTrice), Stephen Millar, Anthony Millar (Erica), Michelle Millar, and stepdaughter Challan Hill; and by his beloved grandchildren, Morgan, Samantha, Anika, Nicholas, Michael, Caleb, and Elijah. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Leia, and his stepson, William Pike. He is also survived by his former wife and longtime companion, Colleen Millar.

Ron is further survived by his sisters Lucy, Mary Lyn, and brother Chris. He was preceded in death by his siblings Scot, Kevin, and Greg.

Outside of work, Ron lived life with curiosity and passion. He was an avid traveler who explored 70 cities across 23 countries and four continents, always eager to experience new cultures and places. In the final years of his career, he lived nearly full time in South Korea for four years and part time for an additional three years, embracing both the professional challenge and the opportunity to experience life abroad.

Ron also had a deep appreciation for history and family heritage. His favorite place was his family's remote fishing cabin on Pipestone Lake in Ontario, Canada, known as Millar Island. Each year, he travelled there with close friends and family, creating lasting memories on annual trips with his grandchildren. He devoted countless hours to researching his family history on Ancestry.com and was an avid coin and stamp collector, drawn to the stories each piece represented.

Ron quietly supported causes that mattered to him, including the pro-life movement. He was a strong financial supporter of Alliance Family Services and took meaningful satisfaction in helping their work continue.

Ron's sudden passing leaves a profound void in the lives of those who knew and loved him, but his legacy of dedication, resilience, generosity, and quiet strength will endure through his family and all who were fortunate enough to share in his life.

Visitation Saturday, January 31, 2026, 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 12:00 p.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, (½ mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. Interment Private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made online to Alliance Family Services at www.alliancefamilyservices.org