Miller, Paul R

West Warwick

Paul Richard Miller, beloved son of the late George and Sarah (Collin) Miller, passed away peacefully on Sunday at the age of 83. He was the devoted husband of Linda Miller, doting father of Robyn Miller-Tarnoff and Jessica Miller, supportive father-in-law to Howard Tarnoff and Dr. Andrew Schwartzman, and proud Papa to Maya, Aviva, Jack, and Casey.

Paul was a dedicated family man, a successful businessman, and an all-around good sport. Generous with his time and money, he was the consummate people person who told corny jokes and made friends wherever he went.

For over 40 years, he led the Miller Box Company in Warwick in partnership with his brother, Barry Miller. Paul managed the office and Barry ran the factory. When asked what he enjoyed most about his career, Paul cited the people. He had lunch with Barry nearly every day and loved working closely with his nephews, Henry and Eric Miller, as well as his colleagues and customers.

Paul’s wife Linda was the love of his life. They were married for 55 years. When he initially met her at a party, he claimed to be an airplane pilot in order to impress her. When Linda’s father said he’d never heard of a Jewish pilot, Paul confessed that he actually sold boxes and promised never to lie to her again.

Paul loved sports in every way, shape, and form. In addition to being a lifelong Red Sox and Patriots fan, he was an avid tennis, skier, and softball player and a member of the Redwood Lodge softball team. When Paul’s MS progressed and he could no longer run, he pivoted to dog racing. Paul raced greyhounds at Lincoln Greyhound Park, often naming the dogs after his family and friends, including Sarah M (after his mother) and Mimi’s Gem (after his mother-in-law), both of which were major champions.

Paul cheered on his daughters at all of their games and stepped up whenever a coach or team sponsor was needed. While he loved to win and jokingly shared advice like “If in doubt, call it out,” he was known for his good sportsmanship and fair play. When one of his teams fell short, he’d say “We’ll get ‘em next time” and then take everyone out for ice cream or Del’s lemonade.

Paul served on the board of Temple Sinai and called bingo numbers to raise money for the temple. He also led a boy scout troop of young adults with developmental disabilities. He sometimes brought his daughters along on the troop’s outings, modeling how to treat everyone with respect.

Paul loved music. He played the recorder (which he called the doodah) and taught his family silly songs and limericks from his days as a counselor at Camp Jori and fraternity brother at URI.

Paul had a kind word and smile for everyone and was able to see the best in people. His passing will leave a huge hole in our hearts.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at noon at Shalom Memorial Chapel, 1100 New London Avenue, Cranston. Shiva will be held at Tamarisk Assisted Living, Wed, Oct 28 6-8pm, Thurs, Oct 29 6-8pm, Fri, Oct 30 1-3pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Paul’s memory may be made to Temple Sinai of Cranston, Rhode Island or MSDreamCenter.org.

To view the recorded service, please click here.