Obituary of Andrew D. Miller

Andrew Donald “Don” Miller of Knapp Creek entered into eternal rest on Wednesday (November 2, 2016) in his home, in the loving presence of his family. Born on December 29, 1924 in Riterville, Pennsylvania, he was the son of William A. and Mary Orpha Black Miller. On May 21, 1948, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Bradford, he married his loving wife of 68 years, the former Pauline Onnalee Taylor. His early education was in Mt. Alton, PA, then at the M J Ryan School in Lafeyette, PA, attending junior and senior high school at Bradford Area High School. After graduating in 1943, Don served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the European Theater in World War II. With the 2nd Bomb Group of the 15th Army Air Force, flying from Amendola Air Base near Foggia, Italy, he completed 35 missions over southern Germany, Austria, France and the Balkans as a B-17 ball turret gunner. For his service, he was awarded a Bronze star, the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf clusters, the Certificate of Valor, and five Battle Participation Stars. Fighter air support on many of his missions over Axis territory was provided by the 332nd Fighter Group (Tuskegee Airmen), which he has credited with saving his life. Don was a member of the Second Bombardment Association, American Legion Post 892 in Allegany, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1619. Don was an independent oil producer in the Bradford Oil Field, beginning as a teenager working with his father. Together they supported the energy needs of the U.S. war effort while he was still in school. He returned to the oilfields after the war to work first with his father and later with his son, Tom, on oil-well drilling and producing operations. He was an active member of the Bradford Fireside Pumpers and of the Pennsylvania Independent Petroleum Producers Association from which he and Pauline received the Sucker Rod Award in 2014 in recognition of their many years of service to the small, independent oil and gas operators of Pennsylvania. He also worked from 1964 to 1974 as a laboratory technician for the Hysol Division of the Dexter Corporation. Don was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis, the Knights of Columbus, and St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church in Olean. He was also a long-time parishioner and trustee of Sacred Heart Church in Knapp Creek and, with Pauline, for many years coordinated the annual parish pledge drive for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Buffalo. They were awarded the St. Joseph the Worker Award by the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo for their Catholic Charities efforts. He was also active for many years in the Parent’s Association of Archbishop Walsh High School. He and his wife also have been long-time supporters of St. Bonaventure basketball and season ticket holders for the past 65 years. In addition to his wife, he is also survived by a sister, Mary Lou Rich of Kane, Pennsylvania; a daughter, Mary (Craig) Valine, of Windsor, Colorado; and sons, Thomas A. (Pat) Miller of Rock City; Michael J. (Debbie) Miller of Kingsport, Tennessee; Mark A. (Judy) Miller of the NYC area; Dr. John P. (Carole) Miller and Christopher P. (Sandy) Miller of Allegany; and Peter R. (Bonnie) Miller of Fairport, New York. He also has 16 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Don also leaves behind long-time friend, high school classmate, fellow World War II veteran, and independent oil producer, Willard (Bill) Cline and his wife, Joyce. He was pre-deceased by his parents and a sister, Dorothy Frison. Friends will be received on Thursday from 7-9pm and Friday from 2-4 & 7-9pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd. Olean. Funeral services will be held Saturday (November 12, 2016) beginning with a prayer service at 10:30am in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am at St. Mary of the Angels Church. Rev. Gregory Dobson, pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery with full military honors being accorded by the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team. Great appreciation is expressed to his caregivers since 2015, especially Ms. Jackie Morgan, who has provided great care and respect to Don and has been like a family member. Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Mary of the Angels Church, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Buffalo, St. Vincent DePaul Society, Knapp Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Penn Brad Oil Museum, or to Homecare and Hospice, 1225 W. State St. Olean, NY 14760. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.