Richard P. Miller

Richard “Dick” Philip Miller, beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2024 in Canton, Michigan. He was 82. He was born in Detroit on March 26, 1942 to Philip and Roselind Miller. Dick graduated from Royal Oak Dondero High School in 1959, then earned a Bachelor of Arts in Classics at Wesleyan University in 1964. He went on to earn a Master of Arts in Latin at Wayne State University and served as an adjunct lecturer in the Classics Department for several years. Dick had a lifelong love of ancient history and was fluent in ancient Greek and Latin. He was known for his incredible piano playing and spent years entertaining the family with music, in particular Scott Joplin ragtime hits. He kept his sense of humor to the end, cracking jokes with caregivers and family alike. As a “newspaperman,” Dick held positions at several newspapers over a decades-long career, including editorial, advertising, and bureau chief roles. In 1970, Dick became the third generation of the Miller family to serve as owner/publisher of the Daily Tribune, in Royal Oak. He followed his grandfather Floyd J. Miller, who founded the Daily Tribune in 1919, and father Philip F. Miller. Daily Tribune readers enjoyed reading Dick’s Personally Speaking column, which sometimes featured stories of his young daughters’ antics. After leaving the newspaper business, Dick joined First of Michigan, becoming a Certified Financial Planner. Eventually he moved into a Corporate Vice President role in charge of 31 branches. After 1992, he enjoyed consulting with small businesses. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Janet; daughters Victoria (Larry) Barkoff and Jenna (Richard) Bacolor; grandchildren Sophia Barkoff, Zoe Barkoff, Charlotte Barkoff, Madeline Bacolor, and Henry Bacolor; sister Marilyn (Larry) Trinkaus; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in death by his brother Jan Miller. A graveside burial service for immediate family was held at Forest Hills Cemetery in Ann Arbor. In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Richard P. Miller may be sent to the Wayne State University Department of Classical and Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. To share a memory, please use the share a memory tab on this webpage.

Richard P. Miller

March 26, 1942 - June 8, 2024