William J. Miller, Jr. retired Executive Director of the Delaware River and Bay Authority died on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019 at Pinnacle Skilled Nursing Facility in Smyrna surrounded with love by his family.
A native of Delaware, Mr. Miller was born in Wilmington on Feb. 5, 1917. He attended grade school at St. Thomas parish school in Wilmington and graduated from the Wilmington High school. He obtained employment with the Delaware State Highway Department in New Castle and enrolled in the evening College of Drexel University in Philadelphia. In 1942, Mr. Miller received a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers, where he served for four years in the Army. After returning from World War II, he rejoined the Highway Department and re-enrolled in Drexel Institute of Technology receiving a degree in Civil Engineering. He later became the Director of Operations of the Delaware State Highway Department. In 1964, Mr. Miller became Executive Director of the Delaware River and Bay Authority.
In addition to many Engineering Professional Affiliations, he also was president of the Blood Bank of Delaware and Chairman of the Regional Board of AAA. Mr. Miller was inducted into the Delaware Maritime Hall of Fame, and a member of the Delaware Safety Council. In 1967, he was awarded the Honor Man of the Year award from Drexel University. Mr. Miller was a Professional Engineer in Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland.
Mr. Miller was credited as an author having written "Crossing the Delaware – The Delaware Memorial Bridge." He also wrote "Crossing the Delaware – A Ferry Tale."
William Miller was preceded in death by his wife of 75 years, H. Virginia Miller (Hughes).
He is survived by four children, Mary Anne Miller (husband, Warren W. Hensley) of Dover, Judith Ellen Rigby (husband, Reese) of Dover, Sarah Louise Miranda (husband, William) of Deltona, Fla., and William J. Miller, III (wife, Jacqueline) of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Mr. Miller also had six grandsons, one great-granddaughter, and one great-grandson.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Dover on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019 at 12 p.m., preceded by a viewing at the church at 10:30 a.m. Arrangements by Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Director, Inc.. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to Holy Cross Catholic Church 631 S. State Street, Dover, DE 19901. Condolences can be made via www.ambruso.com