Thomas R. Miller, Jr., 73, of 187 West Washington Street, Bradford, passed away Monday, April 29, 2024, at UPMC Hamot.
Born October 30, 1950, in Buffalo, he was a son of the late Thomas "Dick" Miller Sr. and Laura V. (Iverson) Miller. He moved to Bradford with his mother and brother in 1960. He was a 1969 graduate from Bradford High School.
In his younger years, Tommy was active in the Special Olympics, excelling in bowling, swimming, and softball. Tommy moved into residential housing through Evergreen Elm in April of 1987. For the past couple of decades, he was a member of the Kiwanis Aktion Club, where he was involved in various service projects.
Tommy was the longest serving worker at Futures Rehabilitation Center, having been employed for over 50 years performing assembly work through the Work Center Program. He was often asked to speak to numerous social groups describing the value that working at Futures had in his life.
For many years after he finished his workday at Futures, he spent time visiting local merchants throughout the downtown. Everyone knew Tommy and everyone was his friend. With this, many who knew him dubbed him as the "Honorary Mayor" of Bradford.
He had almost an encyclopedic memory when it came to music, especially the 60’s and Elvis. He only needed a few notes of a song and he could name the song and the performer.
Tommy followed the Pirates with his housemates and cheered on the Bills and Penn State football. He was an avid fan of WWE and watched Monday Night RAW and Friday Night Smackdown religiously.
Tommy was a member of Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Surviving is his brother, James (Nancy) Miller, of Olean, NY, niece, Dr. Anna (Dr. Ryan) McCormick, nephew, Evan (Karyn) Miller, grand nephews, Gabe Miller, and Leo Miller, cousins, Jan (Rev. Bruce) Burkness, Nan Nelson, Bill (Sue) Morris, David (Brenda) Morris, Lisa (Mike) Fitzsimmons, special friends, Mary Anne DeSantis and the Tominez Family, and roommates, Scott Harris, James Henry, and James Kibby.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an aunt, Eva (John) Rutherford, and a cousin, Donald (Betty) Nelson.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, from 6 pm to 8 pm in Hollenbeck- Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 372 East Main Street, and again Thursday 10 am to 11 am followed by funeral services with Reverend Bruce Burkness officiating. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to Futures Rehabilitation Center or Evergreen Elm.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
Online condolences can be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com