Richard Dick Miller
James Richard “Dick” Miller Jr., 80, of Bradford, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025.
Dick was born in Clearfield, on July 12, 1944, the son of James Richard and Lucille Miller, and was a graduate of Clearfield High School. He earned a degree in Special Education at Bloomsburg University, where he met his beloved wife, Nancy. He later received his master’s degree from Penn State University.
After their marriage in 1966, Dick and Nancy moved to Bradford to begin their careers in the Bradford Area School District. Dick was the high school assistant principal for 23 years and helped found the wrestling program. He cared deeply about investing in students; even when they were sent to his office for discipline, his main objective was to set them on a better path. As a coach, he sought opportunities for everyone to be involved, according to their abilities. Years after his retirement, many residents of Bradford fondly remember Mr. Miller from their time at school.
Dick served as a Foster Township Police Officer in the 1960s and 1970s, was a scoutmaster for Boy Scout troop 414, was a member of the Freemasons, and became an enthusiastic golfer at Smethport Country Club upon his retirement. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. His telephone rarely had a rest as he routinely checked on former classmates, family members, and members of his Bradford community. An active member of the First United Methodist Church for over 50 years, as well as Gideons International, Dick was a man of faith who saw the good in everyone and knew that he was in the Lord’s hands.
He is survived by his wife Nancy of 58 years, two sons James (Michelle) of Bradford and Daniel (Leslie) of Camp Hill, five grandchildren, and two brothers Dennis (Karen) of Clearfield, and John (Sandy) of Aiken, SC.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Ellen (Keith) Vallimont.
A private memorial service will be held at the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Home, 372 East Main Street, Bradford, PA 16701.
Memorial donations, if desired, may be sent to Gideons International P.O. Box 119 Bradford, PA 16701 or the McKean County SPCA 80 Glendwood Avenue, P.O. Box 113, Bradford, PA 16701.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
All Condolences -
What a great teacher. He was always on the students side.
— Barbara Brown
I am so sorry for the passing of Mr. Miller. He was so very wonderful to everyone. My condolences to his family
— brian vecellio
my condolences to the family MR miller was a great caring guy helped me out a lot in school to go down the right path
— mike distrola
Our Uncle Dick was a great man. Full of life and enthusiasm.
When we would see him as kids we just squealed with delight.
He would wrestle and rough house for hours.
I can hear his voice now echoing in my memory. “Anyone want a sack of potatoes?” As he carried us around our grandparents’ home.
The world seems less bright now. We love you Uncle Dick.
— Mark Rodgers
To family of Dick. He was the best of the best. Will be missed greatly! Lot of good memories . Mostly in scouting. One of my favorites. May God bless.
— Larry and Suzie Fox
To Nancy, James & Michele. and Dan & Leslie and the entire family…. I am so sorry we can’t be there, but we have so many memories that live with us forever! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all….
— Dennis & Karen Miller & Brent & Kurt
So sorry to hear of Dicks passing. We have great memories of working with Dick.
— Roger and Kathy Serafini
Extremely sorry to hear about Mr. Miller passing away. May God rest his soul in His Heaven and be with the family and friends during this emotional time. I remember him when I was in high school. BAHS Class of 1976
— Richard English
To Nancy, James & Michele. and Dan & Leslie and the entire family…. I am so sorry we can’t be there, but we have so many memories that live with us forever! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all….
— Dennis & Karen Miller & Brent & Kurt
I spent many years traveling to MB to golf with Dick. Always a kind word, spoke to everyone who would listen, but what I’ll remember most, is the incredible laugh that would “shake” a room. Condolences and many prayers to the family. Fly high, Dick.
— Kraig & Brenda Okerlund
You were my grandfather’s best friend and always treated me like your own family. I’ll never forget how much your calls helped me after Poppa Gus passed. You were such an amazing person and will be missed dearly by so many. Sending all of my love and prayers to your family.
— Amanda (Gocella) Crawford
Sorry to hear of your loss. What a great man. I''ll cherish the many memories of "The Miller group" trips to Myrtle Beach. He will be deeply missed!
— Bruce Nelson
We are so sorry to hear of your family’s loss with Dick’s passing. He was a great friend and we throughly enjoyed the times we got together over the years.
— Sam and Peggy Johnson
Nancy, Jamie and Dan, sincere condolences for your loss. One of the greatest men to have blessed our family as a mentor, friend and neighbor. He will surely be missed by so many.
— Judi Bennett
So very sorry to hear of Dick''s passing. He was such a great man, great friend. A role model for untold numbers of people. THoughts & Prayers to his Family. You will be missed Dearly. RIP.
— Carl Milks
Such a great man. I was blessed to have him as my coach and friend. He will be missed by many. RIP Coach.
— Mark Pascarella
I am sorry to hear of your loss.
— Stoney Greenberg
Nancy, Jamie and Danny, I am so sorry to see this. I worked for Dick in the high school attendance office in the early 90''s he was a very special man, I loved him. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.
— Roxie Vanderpoel