Russell James Miller

Russell James Miller, 87, of Unity Township, Latrobe, passed away Friday, Sept. 1, 2017. He was born Nov. 10, 1929, in Latrobe. Russell was the loving, dedicated husband of 65 and a half years to his wife, Irene M. (Kostley) Miller. In addition to his wife, Russell is survived by his five children, James R. Miller, of Latrobe, Jeffrey J. Miller, and his wife, Valeria, of Latrobe, Mark R. Miller, of Latrobe, Michele I. Statile, and her husband, Donald, of Mill Creek, Wash., and Russene M. Miller-Horansky, and her husband, Ronald, of Greensburg. Grandchildren include Michael R. Miller, of Raleigh, N.C., Jordan R. Miller, and his wife, Kasey, of Latrobe, Jillian A. Miller, of Latrobe, Juliana M. Statile, of Tyler, Texas, and Justin B. Statile, of Helena, Mont. Great-grandchildren are Madison, Maisy, Isabella Miller, of Raleigh, N.C. and Maddie Rayne Miller, born Sept. 1, 2017, to Jordan and Kasey Miller. Russell is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. His presence will be sadly missed. Russell was preceded in death by his twin daughters, Juliana M. and Janet M. Miller. In addition to his daughters, he was preceded in death by his parents, Leo S. and Martha R. (Schandel) Miller; and brothers, Eugene, Leo C. "Bob", Arthur and Victor; and sisters, Dorothy, Ruth (Dunlap) and Evelyn (Bridge). Russell was a graduate of Greater Latrobe High School, class of 1947. Russell retired from Latrobe Die Casting Co. after 42 and a half years.. as a die setter and casting machine operator. Prior employments included starting Clark and Miller Tree Service, caretaker for Wycoff's for 20 years, digging graves by hand with his father, Leo, who was the sexton for St. Vincent Cemetery, constable for Latrobe in the mid 1950s, and jackhammer operator and laborer for Westmoreland Construction. Russell is a Korean War veteran, having served in the Army from 1951 to 1953. He fought on the front lines in Korea for 14 months as part of a reconnaissance unit. Russell received awards and decorations, including the Combat Infantryman Badge. While stationed at Fort Knox, Ky., before having to ship out to fight in the Korean War, Russell only had enough time to make it back to Latrobe and spend one hour with his new bride, Irene, before having to turn around and go back to Fort Knox, Ky. In the 1950s, Russell was a volunteer fireman in Latrobe. Russell loved the outdoors, and was an avid hunter. While on a hunting trip in Canada with his son, Jeff, he shot a black bear. Russell also loved woodworking in his garage, making beautiful lamps, dollhouses, train sets, banks, lanterns and furniture. He had such a creative mind, and made everything without patterns. Russell enjoyed giving his wooden masterpieces as gifts to loved ones. Russell was generous and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who asked. He was a humble man of many talents. He was the best storyteller of the olden days. Furthermore, he loved to joke around and pull practical jokes. Russell was extremely hard working, working extra jobs to provide for his family. He instilled these hard working values in his children. Treasured memories include seeing our Dad every night through the years kneel down to pray at his bedside. Dad was always there to help, no matter what we needed him to do. He was a loving father who we all loved dearly. Memberships included Sacred Heart Church in Youngstown, National Rifle Association, Crabtree Sportsmen Club, Lloydsville Sportsmen Club and Kingston Sportsmen Club. A visitation will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017, at FREDERICK FUNERAL HOME INC., 1543 Ligonier St., Latrobe. Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017, at St. Vincent Basilica in Latrobe. Principal celebrant will be the Rev. Earl Henry, O.S.B. (Russell's cousin). Interment will follow at the St. Vincent Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the non-profit American Association for Lost Children, 539 Fred Rogers Drive, Latrobe, PA 15650. The Miller family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to all who helped care for Russell. To send condolences, please visit www.FrederickFuneralHome.com.