William “Bill” John Miller of Ellwood City, PA, 91, passed away on December 23, 2020, from complications of COVID-19. He leaves his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Catherine Paul, daughter Janine Graham (Jim), son Robin (Patty Power), son-in-law Bob McNutt, 8 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. His daughter, Cherlyn McNutt, preceded him in death.
“Mr. Bill” as he was affectionately known by the Ciderworks’ staff, was DLC’s biggest fan. From planting the original trees over 20 years ago, to picking apples and making cider, Mr. Bill loved every part of orchard life. He particularly enjoyed coming to festivals where he could mingle with customers and tell tales of his own experiences growing up on a farm.
Born in Ellwood City on July 13, 1929, Bill lived his whole life there. After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1948, he served in the US Army during the Korean War. Upon his return, he started his long career as a steelworker at the Ellwood City Forge. Always industrious, Bill was a man of many skills that were put to good use around DLC.
In his spare time and in retirement, Bill had many hobbies. Along with Catherine, and other family members in his later years, he was an avid antique hunter and yard sale shopper. Colorful tobacco tins were his passion for a while. He was always on the lookout for a good bargain or some tool that could be put to use at DLC. In retirement, he focused on woodworking and wood crafts. He enjoyed making a simple-style nativity sets, Christmas trees, and small crosses.
Bill will be greatly missed by his family and the many friends he made here at DLC.