Obituary of Virgil Joe Miller

MILLER – Virgil Joseph “Joe,” 72, of Ebensburg, passed away peacefully March 25^th, 2021, at home surrounded by his family.  Born June 25, 1948, in Johnstown, son of the late Virgil P. and Susan (Hurtak) Miller.  He is preceded in death by several nephews.  Survived by his wife, the former Deborah A. (Harris) Miller; and these children:  Lisa M. (William) Weaver; Jennifer S. Miller; Kristen R. (Josh) McIntyre; Michael A. (Brandi) Spochart; and David R. (Nichole) Spochart; and nine grandchildren:  Kayley (Nathan) Zolocsik; Kyler Spochart; Brennen Miller; Skyler (Beck) Branton; Lucas Smith; Hunter Spochart; Peyton, Emery, and Ellis McIntyre and great- grandson Elliot Spochart.  Also survived by sister,  Beverly Reynolds; and former wife, M. Louise (Horvath) Hessler.  Joe was a graduate of Holy Name School, and Bishop Carrol High School, class of 1966.  A Vietnam Navy veteran, he had served on the USS Prairie.  He was the recipient of the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and a Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon.  He retired from Coca-Cola Bottling Company, served as a driver for the former Conemaugh Connection; McQuaide Trucking, a popular driver for Lodestar Bus Lines, and a funeral coach driver for Askew-Houser Funeral Homes.  Well known in his community, he had been a former paramedic for the Ebensburg Area Ambulance Association for 23 years and served on the Ebensburg Borough Council for 12 years.  Life member of Post 363 American Legion, Ebensburg; Post 4962 VFW and the Ebensburg Loyal Order of the Moose.  He will be remembered for his “can do” attitude, his smile, and his great sense of humor.  Friends will be received from 3:00 p.m. to  8:00 p.m. Monday at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Ebensburg, where a vigil prayer service will be held.  Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday at Holy Name Church, the Rev. Fr. Brian Warchola, celebrant.   Military Rites by local veteran’s organizations.   Memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to the American Cancer Society.