Obituary for John Miller
John Charles Miller,
1935—2019
Peacefully at home, after a lengthy illness, John passed on June 6th, 2019, in his 84th year. Beloved husband of Donna Giacalone-Miller (nee Lepper). Loving father of Scott (Kathy Brennan), Ashleigh, the late Donald, and the late Glen. Loving stepfather of Jeanette McCurdy (Kevin) and Francesco Giacalone (Cheryl Chaston). Dear brother of Beverly Lun (Maurice). He will be missed by his grandchildren: Ryan, Sarah, Alexander, Colin, Benjamin, Hope, and Nathan. John is predeceased by his parents Patronella and John, and will be missed by his mother-in-law, Mary Frances Collins. John will also be missed by his many nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and dear friends. He will be sadly missed by best friends Ken Alford, Frank Goodman, Roger Ivol, and lifelong friend Father Charlie Galea.
John was a principal with the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board. He started his career in Montreal; John graduated from St. Joseph's Teacher College in 1955, and taught in both elementary and secondary schools, including St. Pius X High School, and John F. Kennedy High School in Montreal. He was principal of John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Laval until 1970 when he moved to Hamilton, Ontario, and took a position as principal at Saint Jerome’s Elementary. He also held the position at Holy Name of Jesus, and was principal at Holy Family Elementary when he retired in 1991. John worked tirelessly for his students, particularly students with special needs. He was also active with the Catholic Children’s Aid Society; John was the president of the society from 1985—88. He was also very involved in the Hamilton Stamp Club, serving many years as president and as a member of the executive. John was not only dedicated to his family, but also to his schools, his church, and his community. He was a man of service, lovingly referred to as a gentle giant.
Many people helped care for John in his final years, and they made it possible for him to remain at home, where he was most comfortable. We would like to acknowledge just how important they were to us, as we cared for John. We thank Doctors Epstein, Curnew, Martini, and Winemaker, and palliative nurse Jennifer for their compassionate care. We would also like to thank the caring nurses that came daily, especially Carolina, Eva, Serena, and Sharon. We will always be grateful for the respectful and loving care that the PSWs gave to John. These angels are: Jocelyne, Maria, Rachel, Leah, Stephanie, Katelyne, Vivee, Shauna, Crislyn, Ljubinka, Cynthia, Patricia, Navneet, Cristy, Nicole, Carizza, and Tamika. We also found tremendous support from Amanda Dignan at the LIHN, and from the professionals she helped to coordinate.
Visitation will be held at P.X. DERMODY FUNERAL HOME, 1919 King St. E., Hamilton, on Tuesday, June 11th from 2—4 & 7—9 pm. Funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, June 12th at 10 am. Burial to take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Good Shepherd Hamilton or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. On-line condolences can be made at www.dermody.com.
1935—2019
Peacefully at home, after a lengthy illness, John passed on June 6th, 2019, in his 84th year. Beloved husband of Donna Giacalone-Miller (nee Lepper). Loving father of Scott (Kathy Brennan), Ashleigh, the late Donald, and the late Glen. Loving stepfather of Jeanette McCurdy (Kevin) and Francesco Giacalone (Cheryl Chaston). Dear brother of Beverly Lun (Maurice). He will be missed by his grandchildren: Ryan, Sarah, Alexander, Colin, Benjamin, Hope, and Nathan. John is predeceased by his parents Patronella and John, and will be missed by his mother-in-law, Mary Frances Collins. John will also be missed by his many nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and dear friends. He will be sadly missed by best friends Ken Alford, Frank Goodman, Roger Ivol, and lifelong friend Father Charlie Galea.
John was a principal with the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board. He started his career in Montreal; John graduated from St. Joseph's Teacher College in 1955, and taught in both elementary and secondary schools, including St. Pius X High School, and John F. Kennedy High School in Montreal. He was principal of John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Laval until 1970 when he moved to Hamilton, Ontario, and took a position as principal at Saint Jerome’s Elementary. He also held the position at Holy Name of Jesus, and was principal at Holy Family Elementary when he retired in 1991. John worked tirelessly for his students, particularly students with special needs. He was also active with the Catholic Children’s Aid Society; John was the president of the society from 1985—88. He was also very involved in the Hamilton Stamp Club, serving many years as president and as a member of the executive. John was not only dedicated to his family, but also to his schools, his church, and his community. He was a man of service, lovingly referred to as a gentle giant.
Many people helped care for John in his final years, and they made it possible for him to remain at home, where he was most comfortable. We would like to acknowledge just how important they were to us, as we cared for John. We thank Doctors Epstein, Curnew, Martini, and Winemaker, and palliative nurse Jennifer for their compassionate care. We would also like to thank the caring nurses that came daily, especially Carolina, Eva, Serena, and Sharon. We will always be grateful for the respectful and loving care that the PSWs gave to John. These angels are: Jocelyne, Maria, Rachel, Leah, Stephanie, Katelyne, Vivee, Shauna, Crislyn, Ljubinka, Cynthia, Patricia, Navneet, Cristy, Nicole, Carizza, and Tamika. We also found tremendous support from Amanda Dignan at the LIHN, and from the professionals she helped to coordinate.
Visitation will be held at P.X. DERMODY FUNERAL HOME, 1919 King St. E., Hamilton, on Tuesday, June 11th from 2—4 & 7—9 pm. Funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, June 12th at 10 am. Burial to take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Good Shepherd Hamilton or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. On-line condolences can be made at www.dermody.com.