In Memory
Jay E. Miller
Dec. 28, 1934 - Feb. 3, 2015
SOUTH BEND - Current resident of Lakeland, Florida, Jay Miller, 80, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at the Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale, Florida, after a 20-month battle with lung cancer. Fedora Costas-Miller, his wife of nearly 20 years, was at his side.
Jay was born on December 28, 1934, in South Bend, Indiana, to Percy E. and Mabel L. Miller, who preceded him in death. Jay was an accomplished musician and composer. He taught and performed trumpet, including 20 years in the South Bend Symphony, and taught instrumental music in the South Bend Schools for 28 years, as well as teaching orchestra with the Mishawaka schools for 14 more. His lifelong love affair with music continued after he and his wife moved to Lakeland, Florida, in 2005. He played bass for his church's contemporary choir and the Schalamar Creek Singers, a touring choral group.
After his retirement in 2000, he traveled the world with Fedora, visiting the Galapagos Islands, the Peruvian Amazon and Macchu Picchu, Cuba, Sicily, London and Paris. They also explored Italy and Spain extensively, and regularly visited Fedora's native Puerto Rico. Jay and Fedora's passion for travel included a North American expedition in a recreational vehicle, which they christened "Dora Exploradora." They toured the nation's National Parks and Monuments, and crisscrossed the continent from Alaska to Baja and from Boston to San Diego.
In addition to Fedora, Jay is survived by a sister, Jean L. Barker of Mishawaka, IN, and her two sons, Gary (Sherry) of Kokomo and Scott of South Bend. He is also survived by three sons, Steve of Miami Beach, FL, Jamie (Renee) of Granger, IN, and Jay (Kelly) of Zionsville, IN. Two step-sons, David and Edward Filer, and Fedora's sons, Arturo of New York and Francisco "Franco" of South Bend. He also leaves behind two grandchildren, Evan (13) and Addison (10) of Zionsville, IN.
A funeral Mass is planned for Saturday, February 14, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Winter Haven, Florida, at 1:00 p.m.
Donations may be made to the Music Ministry at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 532 Avenue M NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881.
01/16/2022 DEC
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