Frank E. Miller, Jr.

Frank E. Miller, Jr. of Auburn died on December 15. He was 91 years old. He was the son of the late Frank E. Miller, Sr., and Hildred V. (Creelman) Miller. He was predeceased by his brother Arthur and his son Frank E. Miller, III, who died earlier this year. He was married to Angelina (Armenti) Miller for nearly 62 years, until her passing in 2019. He served in the United States Army from 1951 until 1954, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. Frank worked as a mechanic for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, in the research and development department; in 1969 he was selected to travel to Seattle, WA, where he provided his mechanical expertise in developing the first 747 jet engine. He worked for Pratt & Whitney, which later became United Technologies, for 30 years, until retiring in 1987. He spent his retirement years doing carpentry work, taking care of his father, enjoying time with his grandchildren, renovating the house his parents built and that he grew up in, and traveling extensively with his wife. The couple took countless trips to Europe. One of his favorite memories from those trips was witnessing the eruption of Mount Vesuvius at the precise moment that the explosion occurred. An antique car enthusiast, he surprised his wife when he purchased a chasse for a 1930 Model A Cabriolet. The purchase proved to be a labor of love and a hobby that brought immeasurable pleasure and served as a source of socialization for him, his wife and his oldest son Frank in later years. He spent nearly 20 years restoring the car, frequenting antique flea markets to purchase parts to restore it. For more than 50 years, he and his son Frank traveled to Hershey, Pennsylvania for a large annual antique flea market, where they bought and sold antique parts and others items. It was their favorite trip to take together. Once his Model A, with its signature rumble seat, was fully restored, he, accompanied by his wife Angie, would drive it in parades, go for long drives and weekend trips with the car clubs to which he belonged. Frank was a member of the Worcester County Model A Club, where he held the office of Treasurer for a number of years. He was also a member of The Early Ford V8 Club of America and the former Central Mass Model A Club A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Frank lived a very rich and fulfilling life. He and his wife and their children took annual summer vacations, including to Ogunquit Beach, Washington, DC, Nova Scotia, Canada and a very memorable vacation in 1969 in which they drove cross country to California. Frank developed many friendships over his lifetime, some that began in childhood and lasted a lifetime and other friends he met along the way, some through his work, others were made in the car clubs and some were made in the course of his travels with his wife. His lifelong friendship with his best friend George Pond of Auburn lasted nearly 80 years, until George’s passing in 2017. A kind and generous man, Frank was always the first to offer his time and talents to anyone who needed help. Frank is survived by his son Ralph J. Miller of West Falmouth, a daughter Mary E. Stanley, and her husband Ken, four grandchildren, Melissa K. Stanley of California, Kenneth M. Stanley of Vermont, Brandon A. Miller and his wife Alex of Texas, and Leah M. Miller of Texas. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the multitude of people who came out to support and help Frank this year, including neighbors and friends who stopped by daily to bring food, administer medications, or just sit and spend time with him. A wake will be held on Friday, December 22 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Mercadante Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 23 at Hadwen Park Church, followed by a burial at St. John’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in his name to the charity of one’s choice.