Ralph V. Miller, Jr.

Ralph V. Miller, Jr., 78, of West Chester, passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He was the husband of the late Marion E. Miller with whom he shared 53 years of marriage.   Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Ralph V. Miller, Sr. and Lillian DeBold Miller.

Ralph, affectionately known as Pop to his family, was an area resident for the past 50 years.  At the age of 14 he started his lifelong career with the Pennsylvania Railroad, retiring from SEPTA as a gang foreman.

After his early retirement at 51, Ralph turned his hobby of small engine repair into a full time job. He spent the rest of his years buying, fixing and selling tractors and equipment.  In 1995, Ralph purchased a beach house in Ocean City, NJ, for his children and grandchildren to enjoy.  Spending nearly every weekend there during the summer, Ralph and Marion became involved in the Ocean City Fishing Club. He passed on his love of fishing and passion for mechanics to children and grandchildren, along with his values of family, hard work, and selflessness.

He is survived by his three children, Ralph V. Miller, III and wife Bonnie of Cochranville, David C. Miller and wife Linda of West Chester and Susan E Terrey, and boyfriend B.J. Peterman, of Parkesburg; eight grandchildren; and two sisters, Margaret Bourquin of Brookhaven, PA and Isabelle Kase of Roanoke, VA.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 11:00 am from Maple Grove Mennonite Church, 549 Swan Road, Atglen, PA.  Family and friends are also invited to attend the visitation at the church from 9:00am -11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ralph's memory to The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Penn Medicine Development and Alumni Relations, 3535 Market St. Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3309.  To give through the website, click HERE .

If you have a story about Ralph you would like to share with the family you can simply call 484-886-4900. Your story will be recorded and then passed on to the Miller family.