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BORN
1954
DIED
2021
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Cornelius Dds Obituary
Cornelius James "Neil" Milliken III DDS died on Wednesday, March 3, 2021. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 42 years, Kathryn Davis Milliken, and four children: Kathryn Ann of Brooklyn, NY, Cornelius J. "Ned" IV of Elmira, NY, Mary Elizabeth of Ithaca, NY, and Ann Macdonell of Buffalo, NY. Born in Elmira, NY in 1954, Neil attended Corning Community College and the University of Scranton. After graduating Georgetown University School of Dentistry in 1982, he returned to his hometown and opened his practice in 1985. He was deeply devoted to community service and giving back to the community he loved. He proudly served as a member of the Notre Dame Board of Governors, the Holy Family School Board (President), the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Council (President), and the Corning Community College Board of Trustees (Chairperson). In 2012, he was appointed to fulfill his father's term on the Chemung County Legislature and was subsequently elected as a legislator serving the 7th district. At the time of his death, he had been elected to and was serving as the Town of Elmira Board Supervisor.
Neil was a philanthropist and constantly gave to causes he valued. His favorite charities included Corning Community College, Holy Family Schools, Arnot Art Museum, The Chemung County Historical Society, and The Clemens Center.
Also surviving him are his siblings and in-laws: Mary Coleman of Victor, NY, Clare Milliken of Elmira, NY, Ann and Scot Gerould of Elmira, NY, Thomas and Ellen Milliken of Elmira, NY, Eileen and Brian Beiter of Fairport, NY, Jean and David Sabol of Amherst, NY, Patrick Reidy of Saratoga Springs, NY, Thomas Davis of Tampa, FL, and John "Jack" and Deborah Milliken of Irvine, CA. His beloved and loving nephews and nieces who survive him are: Bobby (Kim) Coleman, Joe (Meagan) Coleman, John Reidy (Kass), Elizabeth Reidy (Zack), Ellen Reidy, Thomas Milliken Jr. (Sarah), Maureen Milliken, Paul Milliken, Pat Milliken, Margaret Beiter, Matt Beiter, David Sabol Jr., Thomas (Leah) Bombarger, Hannah (Dave) Mayer and Jordan (Carla) Davis. He was predeceased by his parents, Cornelius J. "Connie" Milliken II and Jean Macdonell Milliken as well as his wife's parents, Robert Lighthall Davis and Ann Chapman Davis, his niece Margaret Bombarger, and his dear friend and brother-in-law, Robert P. Coleman, Jr.
Private services will be held. If you wish to honor Neil, please give to one of his favorite charities, your own favorite charity in his name, or plant a tree in his memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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Anne Hauser
March 19, 2021
So sorry for your loss. I used to travel from Auburn to Elmira to keep Neil as my dentist until I finally moved to MI. He was an amazing person.
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Nykole Parks
March 7, 2021
My condolences to the entire Milliken family. Neil and I served together on the CCC Regional Board of Trustees. Neil took the time to meet with me and explain the role and functions of the board. He was gracious with his time and sharing his wisdom with me. He has left a profound legacy for CCC and Chemung County as a whole. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Tom Walton
March 7, 2021
He was a friend and colleague. So smart so much fun
Mary Claire Lynch
March 7, 2021
I knew Neil only briefly, having met him a couple of times. It was enough to know that he was a man of many talents, was well read and funny.
My condolences to his family, may his memory bring you peace on the coming days.
Joe Mirando
March 7, 2021
Neil and I were a part of a good group of friends who hung out together at Notre Dame High School. After we graduated, a bunch of us went to Corning together. By our second year there our big group had melted down to just Neil, Mike Ramich and me. We used to drive up and down Spencer Hill every day to school, and we had a lot of fun.
Dina Losito
March 6, 2021
Neil was the embodiment of a gentle man. Sincerest condolences to your family.
Linda and Lou Spaziani
March 6, 2021
We knew Neil for many years and watched as our children grew together. We had many enjoyable conversations at his office. He was a wonderful man, great sense of humor and a highly respected and cherished member of our community. I will truly miss him.
Tom Mold
March 6, 2021
Milliken Family,
So sorry to read of Neil's passing. Neil did a lot for our West Elmira community. Know that in your family's time of mourning, your all in my thoughts and prayers.
Richard Milazzo
March 6, 2021
Millikan Family,
Very sorry to hear about Neil’s passing. A real gentleman and friend. Our prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you all.
Joann and Rick Milazzo
Dan and Mary Hughes Sullivan
March 5, 2021
To Kathy, Neil and Kathy’s children, the Millikan clan and Davis family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss of Neil. He was a wonderful, funny, caring, a little bit crazy and respected man. We pray for you all during this difficult time. We pray that your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of him forever.
RIP Neil.
Jim Thomas
March 5, 2021
I was shocked and saddened to read of Doc's passing especially after just 2 weeks since I received his letter saying he had to retire immediately after getting a disease that he had to fight with all his energy. I was a patient for 35+ years as I was referred to him by another dentist. I was thinking of a word to describe Doc, Integrity is the first thought that came to me. I'll miss our conversations about the Yankees, or laugh about when 3 days before I took my family to Hawaii in 2010, but on a day the office was closed, I went through the phone book and called all the Milliken's listed trying to reach him because I needed some emergency work done before we left. Though I didn't reach him I left a message at 1 of his relation and he got back with me and got me right in. There were the conversations while he was a legislator where he said he would set aside time on the weekend to read through everything on the agenda to be well informed on what was being talked about or voted on because he felt that was his job for the people he represented. Though if he didn't understand something he would ask the questions to understand it better while many times annoying his fellow legislators who didn't feel it was that important to understand everything. Did I mention Integrity? We had many laughs over the years. He will be sorely missed. Besides my dentist, I considered him a friend. RIP Doc
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