Joseph C. Miller

Joseph C. Miller, 59, a longtime Mentor resident, died October 13, 2024, at Hillcrest Hospital of complications from diabetes. He was born July 13, 1965, in East Cleveland, the third son of Foyster and Connie Miller. Joe attended Euclid Park School in Cleveland before moving with his family to Mentor in September 1977. There, he attended Shore Middle School and Mentor High School, graduating in 1984. Joe lived in Mentor his entire adult life. He worked at May Company (later Kaufman’s) in the Great Lakes Mall for many years, followed by time as a stocker/cart attendant for Giant Eagle, and as a porter at Classic Park for the Lake County Captains baseball team. His time with the Captains helped him indulge in one of his great passions, sports. Although he couldn’t compete as a player because of the disabilities he was born with, Joe immersed himself in sports as a fan, attending games, collecting memorabilia, and learning team histories and statistics. He was particularly devoted to the sports teams of his beloved Mentor High School, often working for them in various capacities. That devotion led to him being granted an honorary membership in their Athletic Hall of Fame. It was an honor he cherished. Joe was also interested in American history. Whenever he could, he would get his family to take him to the residences of past American presidents. He loved to see great Civil War battlefield sites. Gettysburg, Antietam, Shiloh, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Appomattox were just some of the places he visited. Joe was an instinctive community builder and diplomat. He made friends easily and had a gift for encouraging people. He didn’t let adversity or disability make him bitter. It made him an easy man to love. Joe is survived by his brother, Jeffrey (Debbie) Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents, Foyster and Constance Miller; and his brother, James Miller. The family will receive friends to celebrate Joe’s life from 10 a.m. – 12 noon on Monday, October 21, 2024 at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. A funeral service to conclude the gathering will begin at 12 noon on Monday at the funeral home. Graveside services will follow the funeral and will take place in Mentor Cemetery. All attending are asked to meet at Mentor Cemetery, in Section 27, at approximately 1:15 p.m. Monday, October 21st. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions may be made to Mentor Church of Christ, 7201 Burridge Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

Joseph C. Miller

July 13, 1965 - October 13, 2024