Richard Keith Miller

Richard Miller of Philadelphia, PA, passed away December 27, 2024, of colorectal cancer. “If you die, the cancer dies at the same time. That’s not a loss. That’s a draw.” - Norm McDonald

 Rich lived a life full of friends, fun, and joie de vivre. He partook of life to the fullest. He was always looking for a new adventure to experience. A connoisseur of comedy in all its forms, he was particularly influenced by the classic stand-up comics of the 70s and 80s. He was always the life of any social gathering, bringing anecdotes to entertain for hours. He showcased his talents at work events and, during retirement, as a recurring guest on a local podcast. He will be remembered fondly as the man who brought laughter into our lives. 

 Rich was born February 10, 1960, in Scranton, PA, to William Henry and Margaret (nee Frederick) Miller. After graduating from Keystone College, Rich followed in the Miller family tradition of working as a traveling salesman. For several years, he traveled around the Northeast selling family portraits. During that time in his life, he also served as a youth pastor with the Moscow United Methodist Church, was an active member of the Madisonville chapter, #899, of the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, and volunteered in support of many other local charitable causes. 

 He then shifted his career to work as a deputy clerk with the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania in Scranton. He began with the court on April Fool’s Day 1985 and retired in 2018. He was involved in all aspects of the federal court system. He served as courtroom deputy to the Honorable A. Richard Caputo for two years. He also served on a regional advisory committee that worked to update, unify, and streamline the judiciary’s administrative procedures. In 2013, he was honored by the Lackawanna Bar Association with the Harold Miller Award in recognition of his dedication to the administration of justice. 

 In his retirement, Rich relocated to Philadelphia, PA. Rich loved to travel – so much so that he refused to wait for retirement. For most of his adult life, he vacationed annually to Orlando, FL, and visited Disney World dozens of times. He also made treks to Europe and Canada, cruised the Caribbean, rode the rails on a transcontinental trip with his mother, and drove throughout the Eastern seaboard. He made his final journey to Florida in October of this year, which included a visit to Key West bookended by a drive on the picturesque Overseas Highway in a convertible, with the top down. 

 Predeceased by his parents; brother, Henry Frederick; and a niece. Survived by his partner of 20 years, the Honorable Jennifer Schultz; their beloved dog, Apollo; and close family friends, Harold and Theresa Galey; their daughter, Jessica Galey; and her daughter and Rich’s goddaughter, Nova Grace Rodriguez.

 A memorial service will be held at Koller Funeral Home, 6835 Ridge Avenue in Philadelphia, on Saturday, January 11. Visitation 10 – noon, with service to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rich’s honor to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, colorectalcancer.org.