BANGOR – Preston Russell Miller Sr., 83, died unexpectedly Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, at his home. Pres was born in Alexandria, Va. He was educated in Washington, D.C., schools and at George Washington University. After studying at the U.S. Navy School of Music, he served in the South Pacific during World War II and survived a torpedo attack on his ship, the USS Pennsylvania. Stationed in Portland at the end of the war, he met his wife of 58 years, Lenore Forgione Miller, who died in 2005. Mr. Miller worked more than 40 years in banking, and he served as vice president of Guardian Finance Corp., Portland and later worked for Jefferson Bank, Greenbelt, Md. An accomplished trumpet player, Pres was a member of Portland Symphony Orchestra, Chandler’s Band, Don Doane Band, Syd Lerman Band and many other Portland-area ensembles. He also taught trumpet in Portland and had many students. After retiring to Bangor, he remained an active musician who played in the Bangor Band, Penobscot Wind Ensemble and Sentimental Journey Dance Band, among others. Preston was also an avid photographer with a small professional practice when he lived in Portland. He was predeceased by his wife, Lenore; and his sister, Grace. He is survived by his two sons, Preston R. “Jeff” Miller Jr. and his wife, Carol Smith Miller, of Boston, and Dr. Anthony C. Miller and his wife, Barbara Turner Miller, of Portland; brothers, Dr. Frank and Robert of Maryland, and Charles of Colorado; grandchildren, Alexandra and Matthew of Boston, and Amy and Robert of Portland; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and his special friend, Theresa Laliberte of Bangor. Family and friends may visit 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. John’s Catholic Church, 207 York St., Bangor. Interment will be 10 a.m. Monday at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the activities fund at Bangor Nursing & Rehab. Center, care of Kim Brown, 103 Texas Ave., Bangor, ME 04401.
PRESTON RUSSELL MILLER SR.
