Obituary
Bob peacefully passed away on July 17, 2024, from natural causes. Bob was born on August 14, 1927, in Roaring Springs, PA, to Robert R. and Agnes Miller. He had two older sisters, Doris Canada and Mary Alice Shaw. The family moved to Winter Park in 1939, initially living on French Avenue. His father opened a Ben Franklin 5 & 10 cent store on Park Avenue, where Bob worked after school.
In 1945, his father opened Miller’s Hardware in an 800 sq. ft. space. He worked there until high school graduation. Following one year in the U.S. Navy, he attended Orlando Junior College for two years and then received a BSBA Honors Degree from the University of Florida in 1950. At UF, he played baritone in the band and was a member of Phi Kappa Tau and the honorary fraternities Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Gamma Sigma. Bob was a TRUE GATOR FAN throughout all his years.
After graduation, he worked in the family store and grew the business to the 13,000 sq. ft. it is today. On July 19, 1952, he married Mary Con Gatch (Mimi), and they had one son, Stephen. Mary Con, from Terrace Park, Ohio, moved to Winter Park after graduation, joining Gibbs Secretary School in Orlando. Bob and Mary lived on Via Tuscany. After his father’s death in 1962, Bob and Cliff Canada (his brother-in-law) operated Miller’s Hardware until Cliff’s 1985 retirement.
In 1969, Bob received a “Service Award” from the National Retail Hardware Association. His son Steve joined the business in 1984 after a successful CPA career. They worked together until 2011, when Steve became the full owner. He served on the Board of Directors of the FL-GA Hardware Association and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1991. He served as Trustee for Winter Park Memorial Hospital, Treasurer of the Winter Park History Museum, and attended Winter Park Presbyterian Church.
Bob played golf at the Orlando Country Club and was an avid birdwatcher, attaining 670 on his lifer list. Bob and Mimi enjoyed a rich social life—they loved to square dance and host bridge parties. They loved to travel (especially cruises) and spent time on every continent. Vacations included the High Hampton Lodge and Siesta Key.
Family was most important to Bob. Next-door neighbors in Winter Park were his sister Doris and his brother. Sister Mary Alice lived nearby, on Lake Georgia, where the family boated and churned homemade ice cream. Bob is survived by his son, Steve, grandchildren Stephen Gordon Miller and Dr. Krista Miller Bodrey (also a Gator), and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Winter Park History Museum. A family memorial will be held in Ohio.
Leave a reply