Obituary of Robert G. Miller

Robert G. "Dusty" Miller 91, of Niskayuna, died peacefully on April 25th at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Walton NY, he was the son of Harold and Leona Simpson Miller. A graduate of Nott Terrace High School in Schenectady, Dusty joined the Army/Air force in 1942 at the age of 20. Stationed in Virginia, he was first assigned to coastal artillery but as the war escalated he answered the call for volunteers in the infantry and shipped off to the European theater. He served under General Patton, fought at the Battle of the Bulge and was part of a unit charged with liberating concentration camps. In 1945 he was wounded in a battle for which he received a Purple Heart. When the Army/Air force split into separate branches, Dusty followed the Air force branch of the military in 1947. After being discharged he became one of the founding members of the 109th Air National Guard where he rendered uninterrupted service through both the Korean and Vietnam wars until his retirement in 1982. He continued to volunteer at the Air Museum until two weeks before his death. His affinity for flight began as a teenager. He built and flew hundreds of model airplanes, an ultra-light, culminating in acquiring a pilot license and owning a 1930 piper cub. He was an avid motorcyclist, taking his last ride at the age of 90. Proud of his Mohawk heritage, he collected Indian artifacts and memorabilia. Dusty is survived by his wife Muriel (Murph) and children: Terry Rafferty of Canton, Daniel Miller (Carol) of Guilderland, Suzanne (Max) Birdsall of Saratoga, Mark (Christine) Miller of Galway, and his stepson Mark Dean of West Palm Beach, FL. Survivors also include his five grandchildren Josh Witkowski, Sarah Birdsall, Molly Birdsall, Dana Miller, Robby Miller, and a great-grandson Neil Holtermann. Relatives and friends may call from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30 at Jones Funeral Home at 1503 Union St., Schenectady. Funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be at the Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his honor may be made to the St. Labre Indian School, Asland, Montana 59004. www.stlabre.org ; Empire State Aeroscience Museum or the charity of your choice.