Robert Owen Miller's Obituary
Robert Owen Miller of North Syracuse, best known as ‘Bob’ or ‘R.O.’ by family and friends, passed away peacefully at the age of 81, on June 14, 2023 after a valiant fight with cancer. Born in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Robert and Helen (Badovinac) Miller, he attended St. Ignatius High School, lettering in football and track. Bob later accepted a full athletic scholarship to play Division I football at the University of Denver. Subsequent to the University dropping football, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy and became an aircrewman, flying aboard EA-1 Sky Raiders for the Nighthawks of VAW-33 in the North Atlantic during the height of the Cold War.
Bob spent over 40 years in the commercial airfreight industry, beginning with The Flying Tiger Line in Cleveland, Ohio. He held various managerial roles of increasing responsibility for Flying Tigers, culminating in his placement as General Manager of the region, located in Syracuse, with responsibility for operations in five states and Canada. Flying Tigers was merged into FEDEX in 1988, where Bob flourished in Worldwide Corporate Sales, making President’s Club three times, before retiring in 2007. Bob was a member of many transportation and logistics clubs in Syracuse while also volunteering time to teach as a member of the Industrial Advisory Board at the Syracuse University Whitney School. Through work and with family, Bob visited all 50 states and much of Europe, Asia and parts of Africa, highlighted by a South African safari with his kids.
He was a long-time parishioner of St. Rose of Lima and a financial supporter to numerous charities committed to protecting the environment and advancing the lives of single mothers, children, Native Americans and U.S. Veterans. He was an original member of the Eastern Lake Ontario Salmon and Trout Association and Trout Unlimited.
Bob was an avid gardener and outdoorsman, enjoying camping, fishing and hunting throughout Upstate New York. His favorite winter activity was listening to Syracuse basketball on the radio while ice-fishing on Oneida Lake for perch and walleye. Bob loved all sports, especially football. A season ticket holder for Syracuse University, Bob ardently cheered on the Orange for over 50 years and stayed loyal to his beloved Cleveland Browns, despite a generation of disappointment.
Bob’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his three grandchildren, Alex, Tommy and Stella, watching them grow to be exceptional young adults.
He was predeceased by his father, Robert E. Miller, mother Helen M. (Badovinac) Miller, and brothers, Michael and Thomas.
Bob is survived by his daughter, Bridget Bexho (fiancé John); son, Ryan (Season) Miller; grandchildren, Alexander, Tommy, and Stella; his previous wife, Patricia Miller as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Calling hours will be held from 4 – 6 pm on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. A Funeral Mass in celebration of Robert’s life will be conducted at 10 am on Friday, June 23, 2023 at St. Rose of Lima Church, North Syracuse, followed by burial with Military Honors in North Syracuse Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Francis House, a Hospice community care home where Bob spent his last days. You can donate by mail, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208 or visit https://francishouseny.org/.
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