John William Miller Sr.

John William Miller Sr., 86, of Owasco, passed away March 20, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Syracuse, after a brief illness, leaving behind a life defined by hard work, dedication, and deep roots in the land he loved.

John was born on January 16, 1940, in Owasco at the family homestead, to Daniel and Bessie (Ryder) Miller. He attended Skaneateles High School and remained a lifelong resident of the area he proudly called home.

On June 4, 1961, John married the love of his life, June L. (Vreeland) Miller. Together they built not only a life, but a legacy, purchasing their farm shortly after marriage. June predeceased him on December 24, 2015, and their enduring partnership remained a cornerstone of his life.

In August of 1968, John began a 34-year career in roofing, becoming a proud member of Roofers Local 195 for 57 years. As a roofing foreman for decades, he was known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to doing the job right—never cutting corners and always delivering his best.

Early in his working years, John also worked with his brother-in-law, George Vreeland, at Janas Trenching. He was an original member of the Owasco Lake Polar Bear Club, a testament to his adventurous spirit. That same spirit led him to Alaska, where he spent a season working on King Crab boats alongside his brother, Robert “Mort” Miller.

In his younger years, John enjoyed trapping and hunting and was especially proud of tracking down 13 foxes in a single season - an impressive accomplishment that spoke to his skill and determination.

A farmer at heart, John owned and operated a dairy farm throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Even beyond those years, his connection to the land never faded. Whether trenching and tiling the fields of his farms, cutting firewood, or tending his land, John was never one to sit still—especially in retirement, where each year seemed to “somehow” bring on more and more acres under the blades of his John Deere mower. Throughout the years, he was always ready to help his sons, generously giving his time and skills to any project around their homes and land, and they could always count on him to let them know if something wasn’t being done the way he would do it.

John was predeceased by his beloved wife, June; his parents; and several brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his four sons: John “Jay” Miller Jr. and Kelly of Owasco; Jamie Miller and his wife Jennifer of Owasco; Jeffery Miller and his wife Earleen of Niles; and Joseph Miller and Lisa of Owasco. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Josh, Morgan, Corey, MacKenzee, Joseph, Samantha, Daniel, Mila, and Montana; his great-grandchildren, Marilee and Weston; along with many other family members and loved ones.

John will be remembered as a man who led by example—through a lifetime of hard work, integrity, and a commitment to doing every job right.

There will be visitation from 4PM to 6PM on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Brew Funeral Home, 48 South Street, Auburn. There will be a graveside service at 10AM on Friday, March 27 at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Fleming.

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