Gerald R. Miller

York - Gerald R. Miller, 84, passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at his residence in Spring Garden Township. He was married to his beloved, Lorraine Polk-Miller, whom he met in November 2003 and was married to for five years. His first marriage was to the late M. Margaretta "Greta" (Strayer) Miller for 53 years until her passing in 2002. Born January 2, 1925 in Rockwood, Somerset County, he was the son of the late Halley B. and Grace L. (Mowry) Miller. Mr. Miller graduated from Clearfield Area High School in 1943 and enlisted in the United States Army to serve with the paratroops. He was awarded a Purple Heart for being injured in battle in the South Pacific during World War II. In 1950, he graduated from Lock Haven State Teachers College with a degree in Health and Physical Education. In succeeding years, while teaching and coaching, he continued his graduate studies at the Pennsylvania State University and Lehigh University, earning his Master of Education degree and his school principal's certification. He dedicated his career to education, which started at Central Cambria High School teaching American History, Driver Ed., Health, and Physical Ed. He coached baseball and basketball while there. From Central Cambria, Mr. Miller moved to Dallastown Area High School where he taught history and coached basketball. In 1968, after serving as the assistant principal at Neshaminy Jr. High, he became the first principal of the new Southern Middle School in the Southern York County School District, a position he held until his retirement in 1985. At Southern Middle School, Mr. Miller was best known for his emphasis on all things educational, for his firm but fair disciplinary policies, for his encouraging innovation in the classroom, and for his pride in the school. For his leadership and personal example, he had the undying support, respect, and loyalty of his faculty. Mr. Miller lived a full life, embracing all that it had to offer him. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, dancing, and golfing, and was always ready to tell you his latest joke. A member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in York, he was also a member of the Free and Accepted Masons-Summit Lodge No. 312, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Dallastown American Legion, VFW Post 15040, Military Order of Purple Heart, Charter Member of the World War II Memorial, PA Association of School Principals, York County Educational Assoc., Lock Haven State Teacher's College Varsity Club, Penn State Alumni Assoc., and AARP. In addition to his wife, Lorraine, Mr. Miller is also survived by one sister, Marie Kane of Loudon, TN; two nieces, Sharon (Miller) Stolick of Wexford, PA and Norma (Kane) Reardon of Loudon, TN; two nephews, Dale Miller, Jr. of State College, PA and Tom Kane of Glenshaw, PA. He was preceded in death by his sister, Verna Enfield, and his brother, Dale Miller, Sr. A funeral tribute service will be held 1 PM Monday, June 29, 2009 at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2580 Mt. Rose Ave., York, with the Rev. Patrick Cox officiating. Viewings will be from 2-4 PM Sunday, June 28, 2009 at Heffner Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc at 1551 Kenneth Rd, York, and from 12-1 PM Monday at the church. Entombment will be held in Suquehanna Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the Dallastown American Legion Honor Guard. Memorial Contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250.