Milton Miller

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP – Milton Miller, 88, passed away on July 20, 2010, at his home, surrounded by his family.

“Milt” was born on Nov. 20, 1921, in Warren, the son of Sam Miller and Katie White.

He graduated in 1940 from Warren G. Harding High School, where in 2002, he was proudly recognized into the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame.

He married Laura Zoldan of Farrell, Pa., on Dec. 21, 1941. Their wonderful loving marriage ended with her death 52 years later on Oct. 15, 1994.

Milt entered the Army on July 24, 1942, and was honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant on Jan. 17, 1946, from the 142nd Ordnance Company, serving both in Europe and in the Pacific.

Milt returned to civilian life to join his father, Sam and brother David, in a family business, now known as Trumbull Industries Inc. There, as Vice President in 1950, and then as President in 1955, he would lead the company’s growth from its local origins as a plumbing supply house, into a regional operation that also included municipal materials, cabinets, industrial and piping supplies.

He was active in many industry associations, and was a founder and President of a national marketing cooperative of plumbing wholesalers. Milt also was a founder of a computer services firm and a financial services company, both pioneering efforts in the industry.

Milt was a member of Temple El Emeth, and served as President of Squaw Creek Country Club. He loved playing both golf and tennis, and heartily enjoyed a robust camaraderie on the course and court with his many friends. His love of life and exceptionally warm smile touched many people.

The focus and greatest joy of his life was his family. He was a true patriarch, who taught everyone in each generation to cherish the meaning of family.

Milt was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Fleck; and his wife, Laura.

He is survived by his wife, Bobbie, formerly of Memphis, Tenn., whom he married on Aug. 28, 2001, and his brother, David (Marilyn) Miller.

Milt also leaves his three children, Murray (Betty) Miller of Howland, Donna (Larry) Kun of Memphis and Sam H. (Rochelle) Miller of Liberty Township; eight grandchildren, Daniel (Kristen) Miller of Mason, Katie (Michael) Applebaum of Newton, Mass., Jana (David) Massary of Fairlawn, Julie (Seth) Alpert of Columbus, Amy (Steven) Pass of Dallas, Brian Miller of Austin, Texas, Seth Miller of New York City, N.Y. and Cara Miller of Columbus; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Milt also formed a warm and close relationship with Bobbie’s children, David (Julie) Gordon of Memphis, Michael (Barbara) Gordon of Memphis and Mollie (Douglas) Robbins of Atlanta; and Bobbie’s 10 grandchildren.

Calling hours will be today, July 22, at 2 p.m. followed by services at 3 p.m. at Temple El Emeth, 3970 Logan Way in Liberty.

The family requests that contributions may be made to Temple El Emeth, 3970 Logan Way, Youngstown, OH 44505 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.