Francis Herbert Miller, Jr.
August 13, 1924–April 23, 2012
Herb was born in Mt. Kisco, NY on August 13, 1924—and “13” remained Herb’s lucky number for his entire life. He was the son of F. Herbert and Sarah (Ferdon) Miller and grew up in Mt. Kisco.
Herb attended Butler University as an Air Force Cadet before joining the United States Army during World War II. During action in Northern Europe, Herb was awarded two Bronze Stars for exemplary conduct in ground combat. He was wounded in action, receiving the Purple Heart.
Herb married the former June Hislop in 1947 and moved from New York to Connecticut. There he founded a one-man operation specializing in gold crowns and bridges. Establishing a reputation for exceptional artistic quality in his work, and becoming the sought after supplier to the area's dentists, Herb expanded Miller Dental Laboratories into a thriving business. He taught his sons the values of hard work and high standards of ethical behavior.
Herb retired to Sunapee and New London, continuing to lead an active life. He was an active member in his church, where he served as Decon and Trustee. He was also a member of King Solomon’s Masonic Lodge #14 F & AM of Elkins and was past president of the Kearsarge Shrine Club. He enjoyed fishing and tennis, and was a long serving member of the Wantastiquet Trout Club in Weston, Vermont. Herb highly valued his regular meetings around New London with his contemporaries.
He was predeceased by his sister, Dorothy Clark and three brothers, Fred, George and Burton. Members of his family surviving include his wife of 64 years, June (Hislop) Miller of New London, NH; three sons, James H. Miller of Canterbury, NH, Jeffrey B. Miller of Marlborough, NH and R. Kipp Miller of Hancock, NH; and six grandchildren.
Herb died in New London on April 23, 2012. His wife, June, died the day before his burial.
There was a graveside service on Thursday, May 3, 2012 at 3pm in West Part Cemetery, County Road, New London, New Hampshire with full military honors. The Reverend Doctor Katrina R.B. Wagner officiated. Military services were conducted by the United States Army and American Legion Post #40. Jeffrey B. Miller read “The Angler.” R. Kipp Miller spoke in remembrance of his father. James H. Miller sang the hymn, How Great Thou Art.