Gary Miller

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Miller, age 67, of West Milford, NJ.  Gary passed away peacefully on Friday, December 13, 2024, while receiving the loving care of his family.

Gary was born in Paterson, NJ and grew up in West Milford.  He was one of eight children to Russell and Mary Miller.  Gary attended West Milford High School where he graduated with the class of 1975.  Following his high school graduation, Gary decided to take a different path than most of his peers. Instead of pursuing a traditional job or further education, he ventured into self-employment, starting his own cleaning business. With determination and a strong work ethic, Gary began offering cleaning services to local banks in his community.

Several years later, Gary received an opportunity to become a welder.  He worked for a few different companies including Titanium Industries located in the Northern New Jersey area.  While employed there as a skilled welder, Gary worked on a project that played a crucial role in a collaborative project with NASA, contributing his expertise to the precision manufacturing of components for space exploration.

Although Gary remained a skilled welder the rest of his life, he left his welding position behind and became a Union Mechanic working for Mid-Atlantic Forklift in Edison, NJ.  Gary’s career with Mid-Atlantic Forklift spanned a period of more than twenty years until his retirement on October 28, 2001.  Although retiring at an early age, Gary took on countless odd jobs for the rest of his life.

While living in West Milford, Gary welcomed the births of his two sons, Brian, and David.  Gary enjoyed taking his sons fishing, watching Nascar, Indy racing, and professional football.  His greatest passion, however, was for his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Gary than spending time with his children and grandchildren.  Gary was not only devoted to his children, but also to his Catholic Faith.  He was a parishioner of St Joseph Roman Catholic Church in West Milford for many years. In 2015, tragedy struck Gary’s life when his son David passed away suddenly and unexpectedly.  

Gary was a kind-hearted man who was always able to “see the good in people.”  He was truly trusting of people, some would say almost to a fault.  Gary touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by his family and friends.

Gary is survived by his son Brian Miller and his wife Valerie of Scotch Plains, NJ, five grandchildren; Zoey Miller of Scotch Plains, NJ, Aurora Miller of Scotch Plains, NJ, Tyler Miller of West Milford, NJ, Jacob Miller of West Milford, NJ, and Adam Miller of West Milford, NJ, five brothers; Russell Miller and his wife Jackie of South Carolina, Bob Miller of South Carolina, Jim Miller of South Carolina, Mark Miller of Virginia, and Richard Miller of West Milford, NJ, two sisters; Chris Majcen and her husband Gus of Virginia, and Nancy Lowe and her husband Gene of Wayne, NJ.  He is also survived by his mother Mary Miller of Wayne, NJ.  Gary was predeceased by his son David in 2015.