Obituary of Richard H. Miller

Richard Henry Miller lived a long and wonderful life bringing joy to all who knew him. Richard died September 12, 2024, in Rome, NY. He was born in Utica, NY on August 10, 1956. He was the son of Henry F. Miller Jr. and Patricia P. Miller of Barneveld. 

He was diagnosed as a youngster as what is now referred to as a special needs child.  He attended school classes at the Barneveld Elementary school of the Holland Patent school district in his elementary years. For his adult years he lived under the supervision of NY State DDSO in several group home communities in Rome, NY.  

As a little boy it became apparent how much he loved music. He would learn the theme songs to TV shows and sing parts of them from ear.  Before the days of video, he listened to recordings of performers on his record player.  Because of his love of performances our family knew the words and music for The Sound of Music by heart, and we probably can still recite much of the Wizard of Oz.  He had a collection of classic TV and movies on DVD that entertained him for hours.  His favorite TV show was Saturday Night Live, especially the classic shows from the 70’s and 80’s. 

Richard was blessed with the ability to make friends easily.  When he was in the company of a stranger, he would introduce himself. “Hi. Who are you? I am Richard.”  It didn’t matter where in Rome you went with him; someone always would come up to him and say, “Hey Richie Baby, how are you?”  We always said he could have run for mayor.

He enjoyed going out to eat at Applebee’s and Teddy’s in Rome, and with special friends at the Red Lobster. He enjoyed shopping, especially for NY Giants or Buffalo Bills T-shirts and hats.

He visited family in Barneveld regularly and celebrated every holiday at home.  He had fond memories of going for walks in the neighborhood with his dad.  He was always a participant in the annual Trenton Falls 4^th of July parade and always went swimming at the beach picnic later. 

Starting about 15 years ago he began attending the Martha’s Vineyard Cerebral Palsy camp on Martha’s Vineyard, known as Camp Jabberwocky, each summer.  It became an important part of his life, and he made many friends there that looked forward to seeing him each year.  A number of years ago, he began to travel to his brother’s house for weekends in Saranac Lake each fall and spring.  He would start talking about his next Saranac Lake trip as soon as he got back. 

His family was very important to him, and that included the residents and staff he lived with in Rome on West Thomas Street, Sycamore Street and most recently Rome-Oriskany Road.  He valued everyone who helped him through the years.  The family is very grateful for the help and support of this dedicated group of people over the years they cared for Richard.

Richard was predeceased by his parents and leaves behind his brother Steve and sister-in-law Kendel, sister Susie Miller and brother in-law Fred Baird, and brother Douglas and sister-in-law Susan, nieces Lauren, Genevieve, Alexandra, Caitlin, Holly, and Christine, nephews Eric, Brendan, and Nathan, along with many cousins and a host of friends.

A simple graveside ceremony and interment will be held Saturday September 28 at 3PM at Evergreen Cemetery in Barneveld.  Friends and family are invited to attend to say goodbye to Richard. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome NY 13440.

You may view the obituary and send a message of sympathy at www.nunnandharper.com.