Roy John Miller

Roy John Miller, 78, of Hackensack, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 23, 2025, surrounded by the love and care of his family.

Born in the Bronx, NY, Roy was raised in Teaneck, NJ, the beloved son of Royale and Cecelia Miller, and the youngest of their three children. He began his education at the Essie Olive Abeel School in Hackensack before attending Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, Pennsylvania, where he graduated with the Class of 1965. Shortly thereafter, Roy proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, answering the call to serve his country.

Tragically, before he could deploy overseas, Roy was involved in a devastating car accident during a brief period of leave. Ejected from the vehicle due to his position in the backseat, he was the sole survivor among his group of friends. The accident brought a premature end to his military service, and he spent a lengthy recovery period at a hospital in Petersburg, Virginia.

Following his recovery, Roy began a successful career in the automotive industry, working as a service manager for a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Englewood, NJ, and later at other locations. He eventually transitioned into sales at George Glove, Inc. in Midland Park, NJ, where he rose to the position of Vice President of Sales.

It was during his time at the Mercedes dealership that Roy met Joan Foschini, a young woman who brought her car in for service and was immediately drawn to his charm. She asked him to dinner, and the two quickly formed a deep connection. They married in 1980 and made their home in Hackensack in a condo owned by Joan’s family. Though their marriage lasted nearly twenty years before they eventually divorced, Roy and Joan remained close companions and caring friends throughout their lives.

After the divorce, Roy returned to the home where he was raised in Teaneck to care for his aging mother. Following her passing in 2004, he moved back to Hackensack, where he remained.

Roy was a man of quiet strength, deep intelligence, and thoughtful presence. He loved nothing more than spending time by the beach, drink in hand, basking in the sun and sea breeze. A connoisseur of good food and drink, he was a regular at the Miller Ale House in Paramus, always enjoying a scotch on the rocks and a hearty steak. An avid Mets fan and a devoted viewer of Jeopardy!, Roy was both intellectually curious and deeply grounded.

Above all, Roy was a kind and loyal soul, devoted to his family and especially close to his sister Patricia, with whom he spoke daily. His warmth, wisdom, and gentle spirit will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his former wife and dear friend, Joan Foschini of Glen Rock, NJ; his loving sister, Patricia Deraney of Wayne, NJ; his niece, Danielle Palumbo of Oakland; and his nephews: Rod Deraney of Newtown, CT, Ed Deraney of Wayne, NJ, Robert Nardi of Virginia, and Christopher Nardi of Missouri, and many great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Royale and Cecelia Miller, and his sister, Flora Nardi.