Harold W Miller-Calvente

Lone wolf poet, retired middle school English teacher, and ESL college instructor, Harold “Billy” / “Big Dog” Miller – Calvente, went home to be with his Father in heaven. He left this realm on Sunday, June 13th, 2021 at age 75. His fighting spirit, courage, and strength during his battle with multiple illnesses has inspired us.

Harold was born to Esther Miller (nee Calvente) and Harold W. Miller Sr. on 11/02/1945 in Lake Forest, Illinois. He grew up in North Chicago, IL with three sisters Marilyn, Marla, and Elizabeth (Lisa). He married Denice Miholic on September 6th, 1969 and resided in Carbondale, Murphysboro, and Cairo while attending SIU-C, where he received a BA in Political Science and a teaching certificate in Secondary Education. He resided in North Chicago, Libertyville, and Gurnee, IL after college. He taught in Waukegan at Webster MS and in Grayslake at the College of Lake County.

In 1976 Harold became the adoring father of a daughter, Felicita, and in 1978 his son Joseph was born. He was so proud of his three grandsons, Caleb, David, and Matthew, that he said, “I could shout it from the mountaintops.” Harold left a lasting impact on his students and colleagues. His former principal described him as “a great friend, scholar, and gentleman.” He had a love of music, poetry, performing arts, as well as intellectual reading and conversations. He was an avid Chicago sports fan, and he was an assistant coach for baseball, basketball, and football teams.

The last decade of his life brought him a renewal of faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which was the center of his life and brought him peace, acceptance, and purpose. His church home was Gurnee Community Church where he enjoyed fellowship and spiritual growth.

Harold was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Felicita Calvente Sanchez, his parents Esther C Day and Harold Miller, his beloved aunt and uncle Carmen and Dick Iversen and his brother-in-law, Miguel Pascal.

He is survived by his daughter Felicita Laoang, his son Joseph (Jinghuei) Calvente, and his grandsons Caleb Laoang, David Calvente, and Matthew Calvente. He is also survived by his siblings Marylyn Miller, Marla Miller, and Lisa (David) Nyquist. Additionally, he’s survived by his deeply loved sweetheart Desiree “Desi” Craig, his dear friend Denice (CR) Williams, and their children Robert and Lynnea. Finally, he’s survived by numerous cousins, notably Debbie (Gary) Petric.

A visitation will be held at Marsh Funeral Home in Gurnee, IL on Sunday, June 27th from 1:30 – 4:30 pm with a memorial service starting at 3:00.

Donations to Harold’s favorite charities can be made to the following: American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, National Wildlife Federation, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.