Deacon Gerald Miller, 89, a beloved husband, and loving father passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on May 6, 2021, after a long illness. At Jerry’s side were his devoted wife Elizabeth and his eight children, who will continue his legacy of living life to the fullest, embracing faith and family above all else. A devout Catholic, Jerry was ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church. He joyfully served the church communities of Southern California and Grant County, New Mexico. Jerry and Elizabeth raised their eight children in California, and then retired to Silver City, where they embraced its natural beauty, history, art, and welcoming community. Jerry was proud to serve his country in the U.S. Marine Corps and is a Korean War veteran. He served honorably in the Marines, receiving the rank of Major. He earned his B.A. from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and earned his M.B.A. from American University. He enjoyed a full and interesting life, including careers in international business, as the Administrator for a non-profit foundation to feed the world’s hungry, and as a cattle rancher where he loved the wide-open plains of the West. He later served as Administrator at the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano until he and Elizabeth retired to New Mexico. Inspired by the New Mexican desert landscape and culture, Jerry’s love for painting came to life. His family is thrilled that they have many beautiful pieces painted by their Dad and Grandad.

 Jerry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth, his three sons, five daughters, twenty grandchildren, one great-grandson, three sisters and several nieces and nephews.

Burial Mass and “Celebration of Life” will be held in Southern California. Burial with full military honors will be held at a national military cemetery in San Diego near his family. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to donate to the Wounded Warriors Project “In Memory of Gerald Miller” at this link. Thank you!