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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Philip Eugene Miller

Philip Eugene Miller, PHD (Phil), 89, of Glen Mills, PA passed away peacefully in his bed on Sunday September 17th, 2023 from complications arising from Parkinson’s.  Phil is survived by his devoted wife Christiane, six children: Philip of West Chester, PA (Susan), Kara Muniz of Claymont, DE (Tony), Chip of Wilmington, DE, Joanna of Claymont, DE, Andrew of Kennett Square, PA, Maurya Muldoon of Smyrna, DE (John), nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Phil was born on August 19th, 1934 in Altoona, PA to the late Marjorie (Dietrick) and Charles (Chick) Miller, the oldest of six children.  Phil was a graduate of Bishop Guilfoyle in Altoona, Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA, Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, and Duke University in Durham, NC (where he received his doctorate in chemistry in 1959).  Phil relocated after graduation to Wilmington, DE and started working for DuPont Chemical Corp., where he maintained a nearly 40-year career starting as a bench experimental chemist and finishing as a patent liaison.

Phil’s sister Maureen introduced him to the first love of his life, Catherine Meloy, also a native of Altoona, in 1966 and the two were married six months later.  Phil and Cathy were happily married for 25 years when Cathy sadly passed of breast cancer in 1992.

Phil was remarried in 1997 to Christiane Socorso.  Chris was the second great love of his life.  The happy couple enjoyed their golden years in Avondale, PA, and Maris Grove in Glen Mills, PA,  and were due to celebrate 26 years of marriage in October.

Phil was a longtime parishioner of St. Mary Magdalen Church in Wilmington, DE and a devout Catholic his entire life.  From childhood choirs, to college glee clubs, to the Arden Singers, Phil was always singing.  In church, at home, at his children’s bath time, he will long be remembered for his booming tenor voice.

Funeral Services

The family will receive visitors on Sunday October 1st at 5:00-7:00pm at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE.  Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday October 2nd at 11am at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 7 Sharpley Road, Wilmington, DE.  Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation (Parkinson’s Foundation) and The Arden Singers (Arden Singers).

Condolences

    Christine Mercante lit a candle and writes,
    Your Dad had a good life and a beautiful family that made him so proud. May he rest in God’s loving embrace!
    09/19/2023 08:12 pm
    Maryanne writes,
    May you rest in peace. Enjoy singing with the former choir members who went before you.
    09/20/2023 11:34 am
    Kathleen Taylor writes,
    My heart goes out to Christiane and Family.
    09/20/2023 03:02 pm
    WILLIAM F GRANEY writes,
    I am happy to see that Phil had many happy years even after I left SMM. I am retired and currently sick. But I recall many many experiences with the entire family. I will offer Mass and prayers for all of you. Hope all are doing well. My sister in law. Joyce, was also at Maris and died of complications from Parkinson's two years ago. My brother Joe is still there. I am happy to see this obit even though a sad way to "update". peace.
    09/20/2023 05:26 pm
    Peter Mac Ewen writes,
    I first met Phil at traditions at Inniscrone in London Grove Twp. We moved there in 2001 and lived across the street from Phil and Chris. Traditions is a lovely 55 and above community. Phil and I occasionally compared ages as we both were the same age within a month. He was a fine man and may he rest in peace. PKM
    09/20/2023 08:04 pm
    Barbara Vann writes,
    My husband Bill and I met Phil and Chris at Traditions at Inniscrone over 22 years ago. My greatest memory of Phil is his gift of song. He was so happy singing that one could not avoid feeling joyful. I know the Angel choirs have welcomed his tenor voice. Peace and love to Chris and the extended family. Barb Vann
    09/21/2023 08:42 am
    Steve DiJulio writes,
    A wonderful man has passed on. My condolences to Chris and family.
    09/25/2023 03:17 pm
    Fernando Muniz lit a candle and writes,
    All the things I thought a father in law could and should be growing up, Phil exemplified if not exceeded each expectation. The mind of a genius, the heart of an angel and the soul of a servant, Philip Miller will always be a man I can only strive to emulate.
    09/26/2023 05:18 pm

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