Obituary of Donald J. "Don" Miller, Jr.

ILION – Mr. Donald J. “Don” Miller, Jr., age 58, a lifelong Ilion resident, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning, April 14, 2018, in the privacy and comfort of his home.

Born on July 26, 1959, Donald is the son of Donald, Sr. and Linda (Swartfiguer) Miller. He was raised and educated locally, graduating with the Ilion High School Class of 1977. Throughout the years, Don was employed with various places throughout the Mohawk Valley, including Remington Arms, and the Betsy Ross Nursing Home in Rome, where he served as a CNA.

Don’s marriage to the former Carol LaPorta took place on April 20, 1990, and together they shared in a caring and devoted union, symbolized by mutual affection and a deep love for one another.  They would have celebrated their 28^th wedding anniversary this upcoming Friday.

Don was a very kind-hearted individual who could brighten everyone else’s day in a heartbeat. He was a very giving and selfless person, taking in others to his home and raising them like they were his own. He was extremely devoted to his Christian faith.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; his sons, Jamie and Mary Miller of Albany and Steve and Tasha LaPorta of Herkimer; his daughters, Melissa Miller and fiancé, Damien Hepner of Ilion and Jennifer Miller and fiancé, Joseph Lukaczyk of East Herkimer; his grandchildren, Lillian Hunt, Leanna Hepner, Dustin Pettengill, Brady LaPorta and Gabriel LaPorta; and his grand-kitties, Link, Sylvester, Oreo and Crowley. He also leaves his brothers, David Miller and companion, Heather Polley of Ilion and Dale Miller and wife, Elana and family of Japan; his sisters, Deanna Miller-Decker and husband, Ron of Schuyler and Darlene Ayala and husband, Gilbert of Florida; his nephews, Brett, Brian, TJ and Vincent, Jr.; his niece, Ericka; and his in-laws, Carl LaPorta of Ohio and Christine Madonia of Rome.

He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Gabriella LaPorta; his son, Randy Thomas LaPorta; his nephew, Brandon King; his great-niece, Peyton Fresco; his special aunt, Carol Jones; and his good friend, Sal Regonese.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend Don’s calling hours on Friday, April 20, 2018, from 10:00AM – 12NOON at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Don’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 12NOON, immediately upon the conclusion of visitation. Procession will follow to Armory Hill Cemetery in Ilion, where he will be laid to rest.

For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions to Don’s family to help offset his funeral costs. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.