Duane Miller

Duane Allan Miller, 82, Vale Summit, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at UPMC Western MD. Born on April 3, 1942, in Oakland, he was the son of Ellen (Gordon) and Harlan Miller. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife's parents, Dr. John & Mrs. Marie Coffey.

Duane was a U.S. Army Veteran, enlisting in 1961 & serving as a Military Police officer during the Vietnam War. He became employed by C&P Telephone Company in 1968 as a Lineman, which eventually changed to Bell Atlantic in 1984 & then to Verizon, from which he retired in 2002.

In his younger years, he loved fast Chevy cars & Harley Davidson motorcycles, which led him to becoming an avid Chevy truck & Jeep enthusiast & collector. Besides being an automotive fanatic, he was a hunter, fisherman, farmer, carpenter, & essentially a jack of all trades. His heart belonged to the mountains of Garrett County, where he grew up on Table Rock & raised as a good old country boy who loved bluegrass music, ramps, rhubarb & wild game. He was never without a pet, whether it be a hamster, bird, cat, dog, or stray animal that showed up hungry at his door.

He lived each day to its entirety & loved talking to people & learning their stories. Whether it was striking up a conversation with someone in passing or over a cup of coffee at his kitchen table with a loved one, he never met a stranger. His calm, laidback demeanor & pleasant smile always made a lasting impression. He was a loving, gracious, & devoted family man & friend. His loss is immeasurable to all who knew & loved him.

Surviving are his loving wife of 55 years, Patricia "Patty" Miller; daughter, Susan Leatherman & husband Kevin; son, Marty Miller & wife Yu Ting Tseng; granddaughter, Ava Marie Miller (the apple of his eye); beloved sisters, Patricia Woods & Shirley Cassidy; & numerous cousins, nieces, & nephews who extend into MD,WV, PA & beyond. Special friends include Johnny & Stacey Blubaugh, John & Diane Blubaugh, Julie McKenzie, Aaron & Amy Sisler & children, Buck May, Jim Johnson & special cousin Edwin (Buck) Miller.

Family & friends will be received at Divine Mercy Parish, Frostburg, at 10am on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Mass will follow at 11am. Military Honors will be held by Farrady Post 24 American Legion immediately following Mass outside in the courtyard. Pallbearers will be Trevor Green, Zachary Green, Owen Reese, Aaryn Reese, Bill Jackson, & Johnny Blubaugh.

Duane will be interned at Eglon Community Cemetery, Eglon, WV, on Monday, June 3, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Heart Association, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the Animal Shelter of your choice.