Friday January 8, 2010
Miller A. Moyer, 87, well known high school teacher and coach of Canton, PA passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning, December 27, 2009, at the Troy Community Hospital.
Miller Albert Moyer was born on December 8, 1922 on his family’s farm near Jersey Shore, PA. He was one of three children born to the late Gordon and Eva M. (Johnson) Moyer.
In 1934, the family moved to Gettysburg, PA where Miller graduated from Gettysburg High School in 1941.
Miller served his country courageously during W.W.II as a mortar gunner with the U.S. Army’s 751st Tank Battalion in the European Theatre. A Purple Heart recipient, he saw action in North Africa, Italy and Sicily (where he survived the Battle of Anzio), and Germany. After the war he returned to Gettysburg where, in 1947, he married the former Viola Small – his life-long partner and supporter. The Moyers were blessed with four children.
After graduating from Lock Haven University, Miller began a teaching and 49-year coaching career at Porter Township School in Jersey Shore.
In 1960, the family moved to Canton where Miller taught English for many years. He enjoyed coaching basketball, Little League, and football -- his life’s passion.
Never one to take credit for his many accomplishments, Miller was a modest man who always gave praise to the generations of young men that played for him. He was thankful for the many warrior football fans and loved the Canton area of the Northern Tier. He was once quoted: “No one knows where we are until it comes Saturday afternoon.” Miller’s record of 200 plus wins, multiple championships and league titles and undefeated seasons, and several NTL Coach of the Year awards speak for themselves.
In 1992, he was honored with induction into the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Hall of Fame in Hershey, PA; but, his proudest moment likely came when the town of Canton renamed their high school football field in his honor. Miller was very community minded and spent a lifetime encouraging and enriching the lives of thousands of young students and “Stout Hearted Warriors.”
Miller was a loving and beloved father who will be forever missed by his family. His unwavering support and encouragement extended through generations. In addition to the countless hours of coaching, Miller’s favorite pastimes included hunting, fishing, and in later years, playing shuffleboard. He was caretaker for his wife Viola for many years.
His memberships included Canton’s American Legion Post 303, Moose Lodge 429, V.F.W. Post 714 and Ralston’s Red Run Rod and Gun Club.
Surviving are his children; Shirleen (Tom) Dorman of New Jersey, Eva Fitzwater of Canton, Ellie Marsh of Athens and Miller H. (Wendy) Moyer of Canton; grandchildren; Jennifer (Rob) Moody, Sarah (Shawn) Bradley, John Miller Marsh, Heather (Ken) Katona, Leslie (Tony) Sardinas, Leah Dorman and Karlee Moyer, eight great-grandchildren; Nicholas Miller, Nate and Jilian Bradley, Phillip and Michael Hanold, Evelyn, Nina and Adriane Katona. He is also survived by his beloved brother, Milton “Babe” Moyer of Gettysburg; brother-in-law, Jack Lindquist, San Jose, CA; nephews; Gordon (Anita) Moyer, Rodger (Diana) Lindquist and Rodney Lindquist; nieces, Eileen Bruce) Broderick, Ola M. (Daniel) Santoni and numerous cousins including Nancy Caldwell, the Aungst families, and his bread and butter play – the 44 wham.
In addition to Viola, his wife of 59 years, Mr. Moyer was predeceased by his sister, Ola Deane Lindquist.
Pepper Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
His family requests that those who wish to make a memorial establish a fund in Miller A. Moyer’s memory to benefit the Canton Warrior Football Program. Make checks payable to: The Community Foundation of the Twin Tiers, c/o Warrior Football, 25 Fassett St., Canton, PA 17724.
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