Walter S. Miller

Walter Scott Miller, 72, passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2026. Walt was born on August 12, 1953 in Albany, New York to Clayton and Alice Miller. He was raised in the small town of Nassau with his 3 siblings and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Walt wrestled in high school reaching state competition. He attended the United States Coast Guard Academy, retiring after 26 years at the rank of Captain (O-6). His first duty station was Honolulu, Hawaii.

While stationed as captain of a ship in Galveston, Texas, he met the love of his life, Maryann Elizabeth Renaud. They met, as God would have it, at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Clear Lake after Walt clandestinely opened up a spot for her. After mass, a simple "see you next week, same time same pew?" from Walt would lead to a beautiful and loving 33 year marriage. They welcomed their first child Adam in 1994 followed by Christa in 1999.

In 1998, with 5 moves in the first 5 years of marriage, Walt landed the very desirable Group Commander position at Coast Guard Group St. Petersburg. Walt found his community and Church, St. Raphael's. In 2001, it was time to retire from the Coast Guard and raise his beautiful family in St. Pete. Walt started a second career as the manager of the St. Petersburg Marina and Port. After 14 years in dedicated service to his community, he officially retired but not without leaving a mark on the culture of St. Pete with the monthly food truck rally that continues today.

Walt joined many ministries at St. Raphael's including the Boy Scouts, Knights of Columbus and St. Vincent de Paul. He was an usher, lector and eucharistic minister of holy communion. Even after his cancer diagnosis and unable to see or read well he was determined to help as a greeter before mass.

If anyone were asked to describe Walt, they would say he loved life. He was kind, funny, sometimes silly and extremely generous. He had an infectious smile and laugh. He was always willing to lend a hand. He was a loyal friend. He loved to eat and would eat anything even if Maryann forgot to take the crab shells out of the crab bisque she made. His children were his greatest joy, and he loved them beyond measure. They always knew who to go to if they wanted anything and had the right words to say when they needed it. His wife was his greatest love. He had roses delivered to her work every Friday for their first few months of marriage just so the hospital would broadcast for "the new Mrs. Miller" to come to the reception desk. He would leave sweet notes and write poetry for her. His cards always had a personal message that would bring tears. With every move up in rank, he would purchase jewelry for his wife saying you deserve this promotion too. That was our Walt.

Walt was also incredibly strong. He never complained even when he was diagnosed with stage IV brain cancer. He continued to smile and bravely accepted every treatment. He spent the next 5 years with his family, travelling and enjoying the life he built - truly a miracle for everyone that loved him. Walt always said he had a good life - no regrets, no anger, just acceptance. He was blessed.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents (Clayton and Alice) and two brothers, Clayton and Blaise (Adina). He is survived by his loving wife, Maryann, his children, Adam and Christa, his sister, Ann (John) and sister-in-law Adina, nieces and nephews and many cousins.

A vigil celebration will be held on March 16, 2026 at Anderson McQueen Funeral Home, 2201 Dr. MLK Street North, St. Petersburg, FL as follows: Private family time from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and friends from 6:30-8:30 p.m. There will be a Rosary starting at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be on March 17, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1376 Snell Isle Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL. Please wear green to celebrate Walt's Irish heritage on the feast of Saint Patrick! There will be a reception following the funeral from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Burial will be at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 5233 118th Avenue North, Clearwater, FL commencing at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Knights of Columbus and/or Saint Vincent de Paul Society. Both charitable organizations were near to Walt's heart and supporting them would be an amazing honor to his memory.