Melvin W. Miller

Melvin W. Miller, age 91, died peacefully on January 18, 2012 in Tallahassee, Florida where he had lived since 1987, after moving from Syracuse with his wife Sue to be near his daughter and her children. Mel was born in Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania on August 26, 1920, and took great pride in this being the day the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution was passed, giving women the right to vote. Mel served in the US Army during WWII as a member of Company C, 257th Engineer Combat Battalion, helping to build the first pontoon bridge over the Rhine. He was present during the liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp by the Allies in April 1945, a horrific experience that was difficult for him to discuss. After the War he moved to Syracuse, New York with his family and ran the Tidbit Shop, a popular downtown lunch gathering place, where he met his wife Sue. He owned the franchise of Charles Chips Potato Chip Company in central New York which featured home delivery. He helped found the Antique Automobile Literature business with his son Walter.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Susan Miller of Tallahassee, son Walter Miller and his wife Jane Verostek of Syracuse, daughter Amy Miller Wetherby and her husband Dean Gioia of Tallahassee, and four grandchildren, Rebecca Wetherby of San Francisco, Shane Wetherby of Tallahassee, Minerva Miller of Syracuse, and Octavia Miller of Syracuse. He was predeceased by his parents Walter E. and Etta Miller, his sisters Pauline Meadvin, Leah Levine, Mildred Carmen, and brothers Eugene, Lawrence, and William Miller.

Like many others that survived the Depression, Mel was frugal when it involved himself. However, when dealing with others, he was extremely kind and generous, always putting others before himself. He was devoted to his wife, children, and extended family. He loved telling jokes to get others to laugh and following Syracuse basketball with his son and grandson. He was a warm, caring, and gentle person and will be missed by all who knew him.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Florida State University Autism Institute, 1940 North Monroe Street Suite 72, Tallahassee, FL 32303 or the WWII Foundation, 333 White Horn Drive
Suite One,
Kingston, RI 02881.