George Williams Miller

GEORGE WILLIAMS MILLER, 86, of 1977 Ellis Hollow Road passed away at home on September 14,2004, due to congestive heart failure.

George was born on March 18, 1918. He was the son of Almon Gray Miller and Agnes Cornelius Miller. He grew up as a "fall cricker" on the corner of Farm and Tioga Streets. His grandfather, George Miller (Mayor of Ithaca from 1902-1904) and his father, Almon Miller, were owners and chief executives of the Ithaca Calendar Clock Company.

George attended Fall Creek Elementary School and Ithaca High School, graduating in 1935. He attended Cornell University Engineering School and later was a graduate of and instructor at the American Institute

e choir and accompanied the choir on

of Banking. In WWII he was in the Army Corps of Engineers, stationed at various bases in the U.S. and the Philippines, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

George returned to Ithaca and worked at the First National Bank and Trust Company for forty years, eventually retiring as Senior Vice President. The Ithaca community was an important part of George’s life. He served on the board of trustees at the Tompkins County Hospital, as treasurer of both the Ellis Hollow Community Center and the Ellis Hollow Cemetery Association. He was a member of the Elks Club, The American Legion, The VFW and the First Baptist Church. George also devoted time to the Gadabout in its early years.

George was always an avid fan of Cornell Hockey, often traveling to Boston, Canton, Potsdam, Hamilton and NYC to support the team. He was also one of the early volunteers with the Ithaca Youth Hockey Association and was frequently seen running the clock at Lynah in the wee hours on wintry weekends in the late 50’s and 60’s.

"Grandpa George" saw to it that his three grandchildren experienced the rich variety of the USA through many road trips around the country. He also instilled in them a deep respect for the land surrounding his home in Ellis Hollow. George was adamant about keeping his land free of development. Much of his time was spent in the woods and upon his old Farmall tractor mowing the fields. George was a true steward of the land.

George is survived by his wife of 56 years, Catherine Whelan Miller; a sister, Pauline Miller Rogers; his son, Bruce (Margi) Beem-Miller; his grandchildren: Micah Beem-Miller and his fiancé, Jen Jaskolka; Mandy Beem-Miller, and Jeff Beem-Miller. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Cynthia Ann Miller Hallet .

The family will receive friends at Perkins Funeral Home, 55 West Main Street in Dryden for a Memorial Service on Saturday, September 18th at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers a donation to Hospicare, 172 East King Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850, would be appreciated.