Ronald W. Miller

Ronald “Pudge” Miller, 87, died on January 8th, 2024, at Brooks Memorial Hospital. Born on September 29, 1936, in Hastings, PA, to the late Gerald and Alberta (Stritmatter) Miller, Pudge lived most of his life in Dunkirk. He married the former Mary Elizabeth Schweda on September 3, 1960. Together Pudge and Mary raised their four children William (Julie) Miller of Winchester, VA; Susan (Thomas) Kaminski of Middletown, DE; James (Shirlene) Miller of Fredonia, and John (Lisa) Miller of Clayton, NC. Pudge was the proud grandfather of 11 grandchildren and was ecstatic to see his family continue to grow with the addition of his 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Janice Kozlowski, several nieces and nephews and many cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a great-grandson.

Known for his sense of humor, Pudge loved being around friends and family. He always had a joke ready and would add his own animation or necessary accents to their delivery to make them even funnier.

Pudge was a member of the first graduating class of Cardinal Mindszenty High School in 1954. After graduating, he worked at the Loblaws grocery store before joining the NY State Police. During his 31 year career he achieved the rank of sergeant and proudly served in various locations throughout the state and retired as the Station Commander of the Fredonia barracks. Pudge is also a veteran of the US Army.

Pudge made countless lifelong friends not only through his service as a Trooper, but also through his affiliation with the Dunkirk Fire Hose Company No. 1, Dunkirk Exempt Firemen’s Association, Dunkirk Elks Club, Hose 1 Flying Dutchmen Drum Corps, WNY Alumni Drum Corps, and the Dunkirk Irish Society. During his retirement, Pudge was also active in the Niagara Frontier Chapter of the Association of Former New York State Troopers and the Florida Association of Retired Troopers.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to either of Pudge’s favored charities: Lakeshore Humane Society, 431 Chestnut Street, Dunkirk, NY (https://www.lakeshorehumanesociety.org) or Former Troopers Helping Hands, Inc., PO Box 432, West Seneca, NY, 14224.

Visitation hours will be Friday, April 26, 2024 from 1:00-3:30 at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home, 736 Central Avenue, Dunkirk. A celebration of Pudge’s life will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 1:00 at Harvest Chapel Free Methodist Church, 39 Matteson Street, Fredonia. Interment in Willowbrook Cemetery.