HUDSON FALLS – Douglas R. Miller of Hudson Falls died in the early morning of Thanksgiving Day in the presence of his family.
Born on July 9, 1940, in Carbondale, PA to Rollo and Alene (Lewis) Miller, the family then moved to Gloversville, NY.
Doug graduated from Mohawk Valley Community College and began a 40+ year career as a Mechanical Engineer with GE in Hudson Falls/Fort Edward. He was a member of the GE Elfun Society and contributed his time and talents to quality-of-life projects throughout the Tri-County region.
Doug married Sheri LaSarso of Fort Edward on August 26, 1961, in a wedding that took place in Hudson Falls where they raised their family.
An avid outdoorsman, at 16 years old, he became a member of the Cataract Hunting Club, following the path of his dad, the dad of his hunting mate Dave Conde, legendary Adirondack Park Conservation Champion Paul Schaefer and others. The Club hunted the Eleventh Mountain/Siamese Ponds Trails Region of Bakers Mills and was recognized by Congressman John Sweeney on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and read into the Federal Register as the oldest, continuous hunting camp in the Adirondack Park. Even after their final deer run, Doug remained close friends with many that he had hunted with as well as those that he had worked with at General Electric.
Doug enjoyed attending the annual Miller reunion in Jermyn, PA. The family farm in Jermyn held a special place in his heart, he spent many of his summers’ while growing up there, with his family making many cherished memories. He also enjoyed attending Adirondack Thunder Hockey games, “trips” to Racino, car rides, dinners out and impromptu dinners-in with loved ones, and most of all attending events and activities related to his grandchildren who were everything to him!
He is predeceased by his parents, his wife Sheri, as well as his brother Robert and sister-in-law MaryAnne of Albuquerque, NM.
He is survived by his daughter Tawn (Bennet) Driscoll of Glens Falls, his son Scott (Kathie) Miller of South Glens Falls, the pride and joy of his life, his grandchildren, Sean Driscoll, Jessica Miller and Erik Miller, his companion of 27-years Phyllis Gillette, many nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as his in-laws Nedra and James Shaw and Maria and Kevin O’Connor.
A celebration of Doug’s life will be on Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 11 to 12 noon. A time to share memories will follow at 12 noon at the Carleton Funeral Home, 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
In memory of Doug, grab a scratch-off ticket and, if you are lucky enough to win, share with a loved one. In lieu of flowers, family and friends are invited to contribute to the Adirondack Friends of the Forest Preserve, PO Box 9247, Niskayuna, NY 12309 or a charity of one’s choice.
It has been 55 years since I worked with Doug. He taught me how to plan expansions at GE. He was my neighbor. I enjoyed spending time with him and his wife. Every time I drive through Hudson Falls I think of him and his family…and always wondering if they still lived there. I will always feel the lost and opportunities missed. Rest in Peace Doug.
We are so sorry for your loss. My husband and I had the opportunity to meet your dad at a hockey game last season.
He asked me if I was Tawn’s friend and how his eyes lit up when he said Tawn’s name. He had a great smile and a twinkle in his eye.
Although his physical being will no longer be in your presence his spirit will be. He will always be there to guide your path.
Listen quietly and you may hear him.
May God give you pease in your hearts knowing that God has called him home and in Gods home there is no more pain or suffering.
To Tawn, Scott and family: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I have so many memories of the time I spent in your childhood home, and, of course, your father plays a prominent role in those memories. May your memories sustain you through these sad days. I will be thinking of you on Saturday.
I was shocked to see this in the paper this morning. I knew Doug from GE when I was employed in the late 1960’s. He was such a nice man and well liked by everyone who met him. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends for their loss. May your memories of Doug sustain you, try to remember the good times and keep them in your heart during the sad ones. God Bless you all. It’s not an easy road to deal with but as the years go by, it is easier to deal with.
I remember Doug fondly as a Gloversville High School classmate and am sorry to hear of his passing. My father grew up on a farm in Carbondale, PA and knew his family. As teenagers we both found that amusing. I think it is remarkable that he maintained that connection in PA.
In later years Doug and I chatted at the GHS Class of 1958 50th reunion about our lives over the years. I remember his pride in his grandchildren as he described watching their sports events. He mentioned some games were in Gloversville and how strange it seemed to be back. We entertained each other with the joys of being grandparents. I am sure he will be sorely missed by his family as well as all who knew him.Doug was one of the good guys. May he rest in peace.
To Tawn, Scott, Sean and families,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Dad and grandfather was a great man. I remember all the hunting stories that Sean told me and all his lunches that he looked forward to taking. What I remember most was the day he picked up the beagle dog from my dad. He named him Quincy. I hope all the great memories you have help you all through this very difficult time. My deepest sympathies to all.