Harold E. “Hal” Miller, 84, of Warren, PA. died Saturday evening, April 18, 2015 at U.P.M.C. – Hamot, Erie, PA. as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident on April 7, 2015.
He was born December 29, 1930 in Washington, PA. He was the son of Vincent and Margaret Bert Miller. Hal was a resident of Warren , PA for the past 59 years. He was a 1949 graduate of Washington High School, Washington, PA. and earned a full wresting scholarship and was Captain of the Wrestling Squad in his Senior year, at University of Pittsburgh where he earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education.
He then went into the U.S. Army as a Captain, serving with the Quartermaster Corp. Upon his return back to Pitt, he was a ROTC member and he earned his Master’s Degree. He was employed with the Warren District as a School Teacher. He served as their Wrestling Coach where he orchestrated the formation of the Warren High School Gym Show. He was also instrumental in combining of the Warren District Schools and the Warren County Schools, becoming one entity. There he served as a Director of Transportation, setting up all transportation countywide, for all schools and Director of Athletics and Health/Fitness for 29 years.
While Athletics Director he was an advocate of Title IX involving the development of Girls Athletics. He retired in 1989 after 33 years employment. Hal was a member of Holy Redeemer R.C. Church and a 4th degree member with the Warren Knights of Columbus Council. He was an original charter member and longtime board member of the Warren County Crimestoppers.
Also a member of the Warren Eagles Aerie, Kalbfus Rod and Gun Club, American Legion Post 135, Warren Moose Lodge 109, Sheffield Senior Center, Circle 8 Square Dancing Club, Pennsylvania State Association of Retirees. Active Scout Leader with Troop 10 of Boy Scouts of America Cornplanter Council, where he helped his boys and grandsons become Eagle Scouts.
He was an avid gardener, woodworker, fisherman, hunter. He enjoyed traveling and his grandchildren cherish their fantastic “Poppy.”
He was an extremely proud Pittsburgh Alumni member. He enjoyed all sports, especially wrestling. Hal had a strong faith in his church and his God. His wife, children, grandchildren and family were the center of his being.
He has been married to his high school sweetheart for 62 years, Mary Anne Bendot Miller, marrying on August 23, 1952, at Holy Name Cathedral in Steubenville, Ohio.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his 5 children – James “Jim” Miller and wife, Denise of Warren, PA., Jeffrey Miller of Berlin, N.J., Joe Miller and wife, Karen of Washington, PA., Janice “Jan” Mattioli of Warren, PA., Jerry Miller and wife, Amy of Granville, OH, 11 Grandchildren – Greg Miller and wife, Maria, Julie Miller, Kelly Miller, Megan, Sarah and Matthew Miller, Christina Mattioli, Adam, Parris, Nate, Danielle Miller, 3 Step Grandchildren – Tyler, Logan, and Landon Nelson, several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Vincent Miller and his wife, Virginia, his daughter-in-law, Alice Miller.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., Wednesday, April 22, 2015 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. where a vigil service will be conducted at 7:45 P.M., Deacon Joseph Lucia, presiding.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted Thursday, April 23, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. at Holy Redeemer R.C. Church, 11 Russell Street, Warren, PA., Fr. James Gutting, Pastor, officiating.
Entombment will be in the Mausoleum of the Ascension in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted by members of the Sheffield/Clarendon V.F.W.
Funeral Detail and the U.S. Army personnel. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Chief Cornplanter Council, Boy Scouts of America, 316 Fourth Avenue, Warren, PA. 16365. E–mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
In high school from 1957-60, I knew Hal as a consistently cheerful teacher and coach, and benefited from his gym shows. As an adult in the 1970s and 1980s, I worked with Hal in his capacities with the school district. He brightened my life, taught me a lot about getting along with people who disagree with you, and even was a delightful presence at our 50th high school reunion. My sympathies go out to his family. He made my life better for having known him.
I never had Mr. Miller for a class, but he was one of the few teachers I respected enough that I always called him MR. Miller. A great guy. I am sorry for your loss.
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Miller family.
When I arrived in Warren, Pa for my teaching interview , I met Mr. Bill Miller who then introduced me. to Mr. Hal Miller.
Hal Miller gave me my first coaching job and was always behind me through all my coaching endeavors .
My fondest memory of Hal Miller was when my baseball team at Warren was 4-2 and Meadville was 4-2. Meadville claimed that they were the Champions, but Hal stepped up to the plate to back his DRAGONS. There was a play-off game then because of Hal. I thanked him so much for sticking up for us.
Hal Miller will be sadly missed by everyone’s lives that he touched! RIP Hal.
I last saw Hal Miller playing Bingo at the Moose club and I was glad when he hit a Bingo game!
My sympathy goes out to the Miller family. Hal will be missed here at the YMCA.
Rest in peace Uncle Harold you will be missed by many!
Mr. Miller was one of the kindnest people I have ever known. He made my Junior High School years, gym class, bearable. He was always my square dance partner. He even kindly danced with us gals at The Spot, a place where we students met to dance, and he chaproned. He had a smile on his face anytime we met.
My deepest sympathy to his entire family. His grandchildren especially have my thoughts and prayers. He was at his best when dealing with young people.
Heaven has a new smiling angel today.
My blessings and respect to you, Mr. Hal.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I did not know Mr. Miller well but his son, Jerry, was like another brother to me in high school. Mr .Miller must have been a really good dad to raise such a great son.
My sincere condolences. Hal was my first boss at the Spot. He always took an interest in how his former students and those he coached were doing. His smile and encouragement brightened any meeting.
He’ll be greatly missed.
Miller Family: My dad, Robert McCullough, always enjoyed working Hal at the school district. I know that they used to tell stories back & forth! I remember that he always made me feel important too, where some adults wouldn’t care about an opinion of a little boy!
I remember Mr. Miller & my dad have lengthy discussions about busing & routes.
My mom sends her condolences as well!
Please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers.
Hal Miller provided guidance to many scouts beyond Troop 10. He taught Safety merit badge, then one of the required badges for Eagle, so he had direct interaction with most young men who became Eagle Scouts during the 1960’s and 70’s. He was active in the management of Warren Pool both as a Borough Councilman and his responsibilities with the school district. He also organized and ran bicycle safety programs which benefited youth across Warren County. I am saddened to hear of his passing and will keep his family in his prayers. Deepest sympathy for your loss.
I heard stories of Mr. Miller from my older brother and then met Hal when I wanted to try out for the wrestling team in 7th grade. A few years later I got to meet him again and become better acquainted with him as my gym teacher and a customer on my paper route. He also was my wrestling coach when I finally made the team. Mr Miller’s guidance, encouragement, and support made him a role model for me. Though I have not seen him for many years, I will maintain wonderful memories of him, a great man. Condolences to his family. May he rest in peace and may his family know he had many, many friends.
Mary Ann And Family;
Helen and I were Saddened to learn of Harolds Passing It was so nice seeing you both this past Oct. in Washington Harold will be remembered in our prayers
Friends & Classmates Bill & Helen Bebout.
If they would of had more teachers like him back then school would have been an enjoyable place to go to..RIP Happy Hal.
Our most sincere condolences go to Hal’s loved ones.He was a ‘class act’ all those years in the
school district and as a fine neighbor here in the east side.God Bless
Hal Miller family,
My prayers are with you. This a time to reflect on and celebrate a life well lived.
I vividly recall my parents inviting Hal to our home for dinner after Hal had just started his career at WHS. He had a winning personalty and a deep, sincere respect for my father-who mentored Hal and taught him the ‘secrets’ of how to become a master gardner!
RIP, Hal
Joe Massa
My deepest sympathies to the family. We were neighbors for many years, and I remember Mr. Miller as being very kind and nice. I used to baby sit the kids when they were very young, and enjoyed the warm household that was their home.
Aldean (Hansen) Mellon
Condolences to the Miller family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says Jehovah God, “heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds.” May God bring you comfort and peace.