David Miller 1926-2022

David was born in Warren, on July 11, 1926, to Samuel and Katie White Miller, and graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 1944. He swiftly enlisted in the Navy following graduation and served until the war ended.

He returned to Warren and met and married his sweetheart, Marilyn Simon. They were fortunate to have recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past February.

David is survived by his wife, Marilyn; sons, Sam (Margie) Miller and Ken (Wendy) Miller; and daughter, Linda Miller. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Henry Miller, Dr. Sara (Harrison) Strowd, Lauren Stein and Amy (John) Clark; and great-grandchild, Penelope Strowd.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Ruth (Irwin) Fleck and Milt (Laura) Miller.

Dave and his brother Milt developed a thriving wholesale distribution business servicing plumbing, building and municipal contractors throughout northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania.

Dave developed dealer incentive trip programs as well as other innovative marketing programs that helped Trumbull Industries grow. These trips took Trumbull travelers all over the globe to places including Paris, London, Tokyo, Madrid, Gibraltar and Morocco, locations which in the 1960ás and 70ás were considered exotic.

Dave and Milt launched the industry’s first buying and marketing group, C.L. WATT, named after its six founding members. This group, started in Warren, later became Affiliated Distributors, the largest such group in the U.S. today. In addition, the brothers founded the first computer data processing company in their industry, known as Distronics, later sold to Western Union. Along with these achievements, Dave also helped found one of the first regional distribution groups in the industry, Tri State Distributors Association, and became its first president.

Dave loved a bargain and relished in creating an atmosphere where Trumbull could sell its distressed inventory and where customers could get a deal. His success and love of selling distressed products led to the development of Dave’s Bargain Outlet at Trumbull.

Dave enjoyed Boca Raton, Fla., for more than 30 years. He was a member of Woodfield Country Club, was an avid golfer and he loved entertaining there. He was a 50-plus year member of Squaw Creek Country Club.

Above everything else, Dave loved his family and enjoyed time with them. His greatest pleasure was visits with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild, Penelope. He planned and enjoyed countless family vacations. In later years he relished family visits to Florida, and more recently, in Ohio. He was a gentle, humble and kind soul who treated the other person’s wants and wishes before any of his own. He was a husband, father, mentor and leader in his own quiet and unassuming manner. He will be missed.

Calling hours will be at 10 a.m. today, Thursday, April 21, 2022, with services following at 11 a.m., at Congregation Ohev Beth Sholom (formerly Rodef Sholom) 1119 Elm St., Youngstown, OH 44505.

The family requests contributions be made to Congregation Ohev Beth Sholom, in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Shriver-Allison-Courtley-Weller-King Funeral Home. Friends and family may view this obituary and share memories and condolences at www.shriverallisoncourtleyfuneral home.com.

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