Obituary of Joshua R. Miller

Hilton - Joshua R. Miller, 44, departed this earth and returned to his heavenly home on May 11, 2024. Heaven was probably not prepared for his boisterous return but rejoiced in his youthful exuberance; certainly a welcoming party ensued immediately.

Josh was born in Coon Rapids, Minnesota on November 4, 1979 and spent the first eight years of his life there. In 1987 he moved with his family to Walker Valley, NY. He became a member of the Church of the Infant Saviour and received his sacraments there; he certainly enlivened the religious education classes much to his teachers’ dismay. By the time he graduated from Pine Bush High School, he had accumulated loads of friends, many of whom he is still close to today; his outgoing personality made him unforgettable.

After attending Alfred State University and graduating from ITT Tech in Albany with a degree in Database Management, he worked various jobs before settling in Hilton, NY ten years ago. He loved working for the County of Monroe in their IT department and purchased a home surrounded by farm fields; his home became his sanctuary. Nobody was prouder of being a homeowner than Josh; his lawn was always mowed, and he always had a home improvement project underway. His faithful canine companion Amelia joined him seven years ago; what a loving duo!

Josh was passionate about so much in life. He was an avid sports fan; at the top of the list was Premier League Soccer. He enthusiastically supported Arsenal and transferred his love to his father and brother; nobody missed watching a game. He also enjoyed Formula 1 (Lewis Hamilton), Nascar (Dale Jr and Chase Elliot), football (Buffalo Bills), college basketball (UNC); the list goes on. His yearly treks to camp at Watkins Glen for the Nascar races became a highlight of his year.

Josh loved tinkering on all his internal combustion engines, whether it be his ‘Vette, 4 wheelers, golf cart or Arctic Cat sleds. Some of his happiest memories were trips up north snowmobiling with his family and friends. He became a self-taught woodworker and over the years crafted shutters, tables, shelves, frames, and cutting boards, often to share with others. He was an idea person; there was always a way to solve a problem. Josh never missed a bargain; he spent a lot of time perusing the shelves at Lowes and Home Depot. Again, he found great joy in sharing his finds with family and friends. 

Josh lived life on his own terms. He loved his family and friends more than anything in the world; he did it so well. You always knew where you stood with Josh; he was opinionated, stubborn and had a quick wit but just beneath that exterior was a heart of gold. He loved sharing his thoughts and talents with others, and because of that, he has left his mark in the world. An inspiration to many, Josh always encouraged others to be strong and courageous. He continually reminded us to live life to the fullest.

Josh leaves behind his loving parents, Robert and Nancy Miller; his loving and loyal brother, Ben; his Uncle Lou and Aunt Jackie, Aunt Patty and Uncle Ray, Uncle Jack and cousins Stacey, Kim, Chris, Brian, Kelly, and Amy and their families, and many close friends. His dog, Amelia will join her sister, Sophie in Walker Valley.

In the words of St. John Chrysostom, “Those whom we love and lose are no longer where they were before.  They are now wherever we are.”  And so, Josh remains close to us always; he will never leave our hearts.

Dr. Patel and his team at the Wilmot Cancer Center were extraordinary in their care for Josh. Josh maneuvered those appointments with his classic wit. Thank you for understanding him and for the respect you afforded him. He thought the world of you.

In Josh’s memory, do one nice thing for someone else today. He would love that.

A Funeral Mass will be held in the near future at the Church of the Infant Savior, 22 Holland Ave, Pine Bush, NY 12566. A celebration of his life will be held this summer. Please check back for updated details.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of Rochester Wilmot Cancer Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, in Josh's memory.