First Posted: 3/4/2012
Miller J. Stella Sr., 92, of Wilkes-Barre, died February 28, 2012, in his granddaughter’s home in Mountain Top.
Born in Pittston, he was a son of the late Joseph and Eva Stella; he was raised in Plains Township. He is survived by a sister, Emily McGuire; and a brother, Edward. Sister Louise preceded him in death. Miller operated a garage in Wilkes-Barre for 60 years. He was well known for his talents as a mechanic and a businessman. As a boy he worked along his father’s side in the coal mines. After serving in the military during World War II, Miller went back into the mines until March 1950, when he went into the garage business. He made a lot of friends, always trying to help someone who needed their car repaired. As a U.S. Army veteran serving in the Pacific theater with the 77th Infantry Division in three major invasions, he earned three overseas bars and a Bronze Star.
While serving his country, he met the love of his life and after eight days he married the late Mary Fisher from Salem, Ill. They had two children, Louise Jones, Fla.; and Miller Jr., Mountain Top. His hobbies were going hunting with his son and Bob Saba, and bowling at Stanton Lanes.
Miller had three granddaughters, Mary Beth Malys, Lori Ann Gustas, Jennifer Bulman; seven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren, and several nephews, and nieces.
Miller loved his church where he served the Lord. He was a member of the Community Bible Church in Sweet Valley.
Funeral was held March 1 in the Desiderio Funeral Home, Mountain Top, with services and interment in the Italian Independence Cemetery, West Wyoming, with the Pastor Tim Capucci of Community Bible Church, Sweet Valley, officiating. Condolences may be expressed at www.desideriofh.com.
