John A. Miller Sr. 1937-2025

You have heard it said that life is full of adventures. For Dancing Jack of San Clemente, that was so true and then some. Born in Youngstown, John, aka “Jack,” was the eldest of seven children born to Geraldine and Bing. After a brief stint working at the steel mill while still in school, his heart for adventure began when he joined the Navy at 18 right after graduating from Ursuline High School. His affection for Ursuline and the friends he made there was evident as he kept many, many of those relationships throughout his life.

In the Navy, Jack served on the USS Coral Sea for two years. His time in the Navy was some of his most cherished memories and seeded Jack’s dream to get to California, Coronado, to be exact, come hell or high water.

He headed back to Youngstown for a time, where he met and married Virginia “Ginnie” Dublino, whom he affectionately said looked just like “Gina Lollobrigida,” even decades after they divorced, as they remained dear friends until Ginnie’s passing in 2023. After the wedding, with no specific plan, Jack and Ginnie headed for California, no doubt stopping in drive-in theaters for a little shut-eye along the way. While never making it to Coronado, Jack and Ginnie landed in Orange County, where Jack started selling, first accordion lessons, before embarking on a career as a real estate broker.

Jack loved real estate, as everyone knew, and he literally never stopped looking for the next deal. Between 1961 and 1972, Jack and Ginnie had five children, all of whom spent most of their youth in Orange County at a time when the playgrounds were actual orange groves. Still, Youngstown was never far away. Jack thought nothing of loading the kids in the cars like the Buick Electra 225 and driving back to Youngstown for a couple of weeks — or just a few days if he had to pick up his mom, Geri, for a visit.

In the mid-80s, Jack met his life and dancing partner, Dorothy “Dottie” Blietz. Jack and Dottie loved jazz, and loved to dance, and never said no if there was a party or grandkid event. They called all seven kids, 13 grandkids and 11 great-grandkids on their birthdays to sing, and traveled the world to be at special events. They deeply loved the kids and grandkids and demonstrated their commitment by showing up.

For 40 years, Jack and Dottie shared a full and rich life with family and friends, and looked for every opportunity to have some fun. They loved music and the bands they followed, and especially loved their time spent with the Friends of Jazz, one year as the king and queen. If there was a concert, party or celebration of life, they were the first ones on the dance floor — sequins and all.

No one will forget how they played Santa and Santa’s helper each and every Christmas. We knew Jack was slowing down when last Christmas he passed on the Santa suit to his eldest grandson, Brett, to carry on the tradition. It was a special and bittersweet moment we all will cherish for years to come.

Along with joy, there were times that admittedly were not easy. As risk takers know, adventures necessarily take unexpected twists and turns. And yet, Jack’s optimism and perseverance stayed with him until the end. As an example, he insisted on bowling (and almost picked up the spare!) just two weeks before he passed, even when we didn’t think he could stand.

His love of family and life, and his example to all of us that sometimes you gotta just keep dancing, are the qualities we will remember and admire the most.

Jack is survived by his partner, Dottie; sisters, Carol and Dee; and brother, Larry; and his five children, Susan, John, David, Melissa and Rusty; along with their spouses, grandchildren and greats.

He was laid to rest in Riverside National Cemetery on May 8, 2025, with full military honors.

His spirit will live on in all the lives he has touched.

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