Thomas Oscar Miller

Thomas Oscar Miller

Familyman, Educator & Friend

March 1, 1927 - April 6, 2020

Thomas Oscar Miller, 93, of Clifton Heights, Pa. died on April 06, 2020 at Chester County Hospital, West Chester, Pa., following a prolonged illness.

Born March 1st, 1927, Tom was the beloved son of the late Lewis R. Miller & Metta Miller of Crosby, Minnesota. He laid track for the Burlington Northern Railroad while attending Crosby-Ironton High School in 1944. He graduated 6 months early in 1945 to join the U.S. Navy. He attended radio school in Gulfport, Mississippi and then served on LST 981 during the last stages of the Pacific War, as a Petty Officer Radioman 3rd Class.

He married Registered Nurse and graduate from Hahnemann Hospital Eleanor C. Kozlusky, on July 28, 1951. They were married almost 65 years before Eleanor's passing in 2016. Tom was a good natured soul to all who came to know him, from his family, neighbors, school faculties and the extended Clifton Heights, Pa. community. He sacrificed many of life's luxuries to educate his children so they could build their own futures. He loved kids. He loved playing with them, reading to them, making them smile and admiring their projects and performances.

Always interested in modeling character and integrity, Tom became a teacher. He was a true educator. Having graduated from LaSalle College in 1952 as an English Major and earning a Masters Degree in Public Education in 1957 from Temple University, he then went on to teach in the Philadelphia School System in 1955 and later became an elementary school principal until his retirement in 1986. The school gymnasium of Abigail Vare where he was principal is dedicated in his honor. More impotantly however, he touched a great number of lives teaching everyone around him including students parents and faculty what it was to be a good man, a good friend, a good brother, a good father and a good person. He taught by his actions: being a good listener, encouraging you when presented with adversities, never judging, and offering whatever help he could.

Tom always used humor and laughter to lighten your mood and to establish an instant connection. When life presented adversities he never complained and bore his responsibilities and infirmities with quiet acceptance. He always said thank you whether it was just for calling to talk to him on the phone, visiting, or making a simple meal. Tom was all about family and friends, always putting them first. He was generous, compassionate and would give anyone the shirt off his back. There was no task too great or small for him. He was kind and caring. All of these qualities he passed down to his children as he led by example. Tom possessed a high moral character and a his motto was "You're only as good as your word" and again, these were words that he lived by. Tom enjoyed tennis, swimming,cribbage, country music, John Wayne movies / memorabilia and professional sports. He was fortunate enough to see all the major Championships of the Philadelphia sports teams.

Tom will be remembered for his bright and cheery disposition and for making everyone feel special. He will be sorely missed. The world has lost a good man but heaven has gained an ambassador of friendship and love.

Tom was preceded in death by his Father Lewis R. [1966], Mother Metta [1980], Wife Eleanor [2016] and by 4 older brothers and 4 older sisters. He is survived by his younger sister Faye Carroll, and by sons Timothy James, Robert Thomas [Marianne), Thomas Joseph [Eileen), and daughters Nancy Marie Moran [Robert], and Mary Beth Wright [Scott]. In addition, he is survived by 8 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Services are private at this time. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Please check back for more information.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Thomas Oscar Miller may be made to Jefferson's COVID-19 Better Together Fund through the following link " jefferson.edu/COVIDfunding " or via mail to Jefferson's Office of Institutional Advancement, 125 South 9th Street, Suite 600, Philadelphia, Pa 19107.