Albert A. Miller III 1949-2021

Albert loved life. His last words to his family were, “This was the best 4th of July I’ve ever had!” It was a day filled with his favorite things — family, friends, fireworks, chili dogs, cigars, a summer vodka drink, a boat parade and air horns.

Al is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Rosalyn Cannatti Miller; daughter, Meredith; and son, Albert; the enormous extended Volk, Dotson and Cannatti families, who truly loved and accepted him with open arms; they will miss him dearly.

Al made life look easy despite his challenges; he did not believe in complaining. He was born a miracle baby Dec. 5, 1949, the son of Albert A. Miller Jr. and Martha Moore Miller. He lost his first mother at the age of 3. In 1957, his father married Anne Volk. Anne truly loved Al as her son. At 19, he was diagnosed with diabetes, a lifelong challenge he took in stride.

This area meant so much to him; Youngstown was the only place Al ever lived or wanted to live. He graduated from YSU with a degree in business in 1971. He was a member and officer of Sigma Pi Fraternity. Many of his Sigma Pi Fraternity Brothers are still close friends today. Later, Al attended post graduate classes at the University of Michigan.

Al was a fiercely loyal person. As a teenager, he mowed grass at Commercial Metal Forming. He took his first real job there in 1971 and retired from the same business 40 years later. The company changed names and leadership many times over the years, but Al remained and grew with the company as he changed job titles and regions and rose to the position of General Manager of sales. In that time, he also served as President of PVMA (Pressure Vessels Manufacturers of America). He loved his job and the relationships he forged with customers and colleagues throughout the industry in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Al loved sports. It didn’t matter if he was competing or cheering, he gave it his all. In 2003, Al won the Youngstown Country Club Member Guest Championship. He had to give up golf soon after, but never lost his love for the sport. In 1996, Al began taking photos for the Boardman High School wrestling team. He saw athletes giving their all and wanted them to have the support and recognition he felt they deserved. Over the next 25 years, he became “Scoop,” taking photos and writing for the Boardman News. He wrote for so many years that he was able to write about the sons of the first wrestlers he honored. Football was another of his favorite sports — from Ursuline High School to YSU, to Michigan and later, Ohio State, the Steelers and almost any underdog.

He fought for every moment; Al never gave up. He would encourage anyone facing a challenge to do the same. His family is grateful for his cousin, Dr. John Koval, and the many other doctors and caregivers who helped him live his life to its fullest.

As a tribute to how Al lived his life and met its challenges, his family would appreciate donations to benefit camps for youth living with diabetes at www.life carealliance.org or Central Ohio Diabetes Association (CODA), 1699 W. Mound St., Columbus, Ohio 43223, 614-884-4400.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman.

Family and friends may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to Al’s family.

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