Farrell E. Miller OBITUARY

Farrell E. Miller, 91, of Oneida, NY, and formerly of Canastota, NY, went home to our Lord on July 1, 2024, surrounded by his family and the peaceful supplications of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. He was born on July 21, 1932, in Granby, NY, the son of Leo and Mable Zapf Miller. Raised in Canastota, Farrell often told stories of his childhood on the banks of the Erie Canal and railroad. After graduating from Canastota Central Schools, where he was a standout football player, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served his country in Korea during the Korean War. While there, he discovered the Catholic Faith through the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima. Farrell would spend the rest of his life growing in that Faith and sharing it with others. Upon return from Korea, he attended St. Jerome's Seminary in Kitchener, Ontario, and later graduated from Mohawk Valley Community College with a degree in Advertising Design and Production.He married Margaret Galavotti on June 27, 1959 at St. Agatha's Church in Canastota, NY, recently celebrating their 65th anniversary.Farrell was a proud veteran and member of the American Legion and VFW, donating his time and talents to the American Legion by organizing the Memorial Day parade for over 30 years. He co-designed the War Veterans Memorial in Canastota and was instrumental in its development.Farrell was an accomplished carpenter, craftsman and commercial artist, most notably renovating the interior of St. Agatha's Catholic Church. He was an active community member and served in leadership positions in the JayCees and the Lions Club, receiving numerous awards including the Lions Club achievement award and the United Veterans Certificate of Appreciation. He started the Canal Town Corporation and Museum in Canastota and was instrumental in the beginnings of the International Boxing Hall of Fame. He volunteered his carpentry skills to Holy Cross Academy in Oneida, where he was a founding member of the planning committee. As a member of the Knights of Columbus he organized the annual Rosary Rally. Farrell was proud of his French Canadian heritage and enjoyed music, reading, ice cream, black licorice, making his family laugh, gardening, theological discussion, visiting shrines, Oneida Lake and the beauty of all God's creation.Farrell's greatest love was for God and his family. He was thankful for the graces God gave him throughout his life. He was a daily communicant, Perpetual Adoration adorer and member of Spirit of Hope Parish, with special devotions to Our Lady, St. Joseph, the rosary and Divine Mercy.Surviving are his wife, Margaret; children M. Julie Miller of Utica, Teri (Dan) Maciag of Durhamville, Paul (Andrea) Miller of Nokesville, VA, Dan (Debbi) Miller of Oneida, Michelle (Greg) Bodoh of Front Royal, VA, and Maria (Rick) Ellis of Manassas, VA. He is also survived by grandchildren Andy Maciag, Joe Maciag, Dan Maciag, Tim Maciag, Mike Maciag, Marie Maciag DeGroat, Luke Maciag, Matt Maciag, Joshua Miller, Gabriella Miller, Dominic Miller, Brianna Miller Carney, Steve Miller, Christopher Miller, Nate Miller, Thomas Bodoh, Renee Bodoh, John Bodoh, Regina Ellis Erikson, Megan Ellis, Kateri Ellis, Ricky Ellis, Sophia Ellis, Emily Ellis, Isaac Ellis, Lauren Ellis; 27 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister, Joanne Dailey, and his brothers, Clifford (Mary Ann) Miller and Kevin (Marianne) Miller, and brother-in-law Paul Zion. He was predeceased by his sister, Sonia "Honey" Zion.The family wishes to thank Dr. Matt Siegenthaler, Colette Maciag, RN, and the caregivers at St. Joseph's Hospital, and the doctors, nurses and chaplains at the VA Medical Center in Syracuse.Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024 from 5-7 pm at the Ironside Funeral Home, 342 Main St., Oneida, NY. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Agatha's Church, 329 N. Peterboro St., Canastota, NY, where the Rev. Christopher J. Ballard will officiate. Interment with full military honors will take place at St. Agatha's Cemetery in Canastota. Donations may be made in Farrell's memory to Holy Cross Academy in Oneida, "Pray the rosary every day!" You can view Farrell's obituary and send his family a message of sympathy at www.ironsidefuneralhome.com