John Asa Miller

1932 - 2024

Miller, John Asa
DUANESBURG - John Asa Miller, 92, of Duanesburg, N.Y., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 27, 2024. Born to the late Howard Joseph Miller and Anne Elizabeth (O'Melia) Miller of Cedar Hill, N.Y., on May 23, 1932, he was predeceased by his parents and by his sister, Eleanor Miller Erickson and brother, Howard Joseph Miller Jr. John is survived by the love of his life for almost 73 years, Patty Lou (Speer) Miller, daughters Brenda Miller, Marilyn (Don) Schafer, Joyce (Gary) Parker and sons John (Karen) Miller Jr., Joseph (Jane) Miller and James (Min) Miller. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter, his sister Ann (Miller) Popkoski and several nieces and nephews. John attended the Little Red Schoolhouse in Cedar Hill, now the home of the Town of Bethlehem's Historical Society where he frequently climbed into the bell tower to turn the recess bell upside down for an extended recess. He was a graduate of Ravena Coeymans High School, class of 1950.
John was a 60-plus year proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers serving as a business agent from 1972 until his retirement. John also served on the Duanesburg School Board. He was a congregational member of Our Lady of Fatima church in Delanson for 51 years.
A humble man and a prankster, John loved a good joke as many friends and family can attest to. In his youth he and his brother were avid trappers along the Hudson River. John had a deep love of the Adirondacks especially Indian Lake where he built the family camp and where so many good times were had and memories made. John was an instrument-rated pilot flying for business and pleasure in his Mooney. One of the highlights of his retirement was fulfilling a lifetime dream of a hunting trip to Alaska.
John was a larger-than-life character who started his day at the local diner. To join him you had to be ready at 6:30 a.m., but the entertainment was well worth the early rising. When he stopped driving, his morning ritual was a shot of Bailey's in his coffee and reading the paper. John will be profoundly missed but his memory kept alive by the many stories shared by friends and family.
Calling hours will be held Monday, September 2, from 10:30 a.m. until noon at Our Lady of Fatima, 1735 Alexander Road, Delanson, N.Y. 12053. Immediately following will be a noon mass followed by light refreshments at the Church hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Fatima Food Pantry, PO Box 219, Delanson, N.Y. 12053.