Ilion - Mr. John V. Miller, 86, of Ilion, NY passed away peacefully, Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Foltsbrook rehabilitation in Herkimer, NY after being cared for by those he loved for many years. John was born in Utica, NY on December 27, 1936 the son of the late John Anthony and Gertrude Elizabeth (Oehler) Miller. He attended high school at Utica Catholic Academy and then graduated from LeMoyne College, Syracuse, NY with a business degree. John married Gail Ann Bedworth on April 8, 1961, in Ilion. He enjoyed many years as a financial advisor at Prudential Insurance Company from which he received many accolades and retired after 38 years. John was a loving and devoted son, husband, father, brother, father-in-law, uncle, “Papa”, friend and neighbor who will be deeply missed. He will be remembered for his quick wit and humor, his strong advice and his deep and caring passion of environmental conservation. John lived large and the joy of his life was found in his family. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and especially enjoyed spending time at the family camp he and Gail built on Twitchell Lake in the early 70’s. His love of the Adirondacks led him to serving as president of the New York State Federation of Lakes Association (NYSFOLA). During this time, he tackled many problems then facing Adirondack lakes, including a huge increase in motorized watercraft, hydrocarbon emissions, shoreline erosion and related effects on wildlife habitats, but he is best remembered for his introduction of a statewide pollution control model, first developed at Twitchell Lake. This program was used as a model for other studies across the state for many years. He was also a community leader and known as someone who always volunteered his services to the benefit of others serving fourteen years as president of the local Twitchell Lake Fish & Game Society, now renamed the Twitchell Lake Association. John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease shortly after his retirement and battled this affliction with determination until just days before his death. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Gail Ann Miller and his children, Michael and Chrissy Miller of Long Beach, CA, Michele (Miller) and John Roberts of Herkimer, Brian and Mary Miller of Ilion and Suzanne (Miller) and David Paddock of Ilion; two sisters, Mary Ellen Hill of Sayville, NY and Deborah and Dr. Leo Muido of Plymouth, MA. He is remembered with great joy and love by 12 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his sister Jean Miller in 2021. A celebration of John’s life will be held on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 10:30 AM from the Church of the Annunciation, 50 West St. in Ilion where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Paul Catena followed by internment at Armory Hill Cemetery in Ilion. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego Street, Ilion, NY 13357. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in John’s name to the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, PO Box 195, Ray Brook, NY 12977, attention Nina Schoch, Executive Director. To leave condolences for John’s family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com