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Walter Wally Miller


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Walter "Wally" E. Miller - the person who loved Syracuse more than anyone, who was a pillar in the Syracuse community known for his extraordinary knowledge of Syracuse history only matched by his willingness to share with others his knowledge passed away November 15, 2019 at the age of 66 peacefully while surrounded by an immense amount of love from his wife Jane and close friends who were by his side.

Walter or Wally to his close friends and family attended Charles Andrew, H.W. Smith, Nottingham High School and Jamesville Dewitt High School and stayed lifelong friends with so many of his classmates. Wally was so nostalgic about the time he spent as a camper at Camp Frenle, Camp Tousey and Camp Chalet - going back to visit them frequently in their overgrown states - he looked past that and was always filled with wonderful childhood memories. At the young age of 5 Wally started collecting coins and thus began a lifetime of collecting from stamps to automobile literature to all things Syracuse and political ephemera and memorabilia. When he was a teen Walter started collected vintage magazines and found that he could sell ads for cars from the magazines and thereupon began his literature business. Walter attended SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Binghamton and McGill University with a focus on business. From the handful of boxes of literature he had he started what would ended up being the largest and most well known inventories and business for original automobile literature. Walter's passion for collecting led him to opening a museum in 1996 - The Museum of Automobile History to share the oddities, eccentric and often times humorous automobile related artifacts he found in his travels. Walter traveled to all U.S. states except for Alaska and Hawaii and to over 75 countries but always came back to Syracuse, his cherished hometown. Much of Walter's enthusiasm for business came from his mentor - his father Melvin Miller. As a child and into adulthood Walter worked for Mel who was the Charles Chips home delivery distributor in Syracuse, being the first to bring them into New York State. Later in life the tables turned with his father Mel working for Walter's automobile literature business - setting up tents at many a car show and working closely for many years. Hand in hand with his love of automobile literature Walter loved driving antique cars year round in Syracuse. When he was 14 Walter bought his first car - a 1936 Plymouth Coupe. Many in Syracuse enjoyed car rides from Walter in all of the unusual cars he owned. Walter was proud of keeping cars in their original condition even going so far as to never wash barn finds.

Walter is survived by his beloved wife Jane Verostek and their two children who aptly are named after cars - Minerva and Octavia. Walter and Jane spent many years together supporting local museums, historical associations and a wide variety of community organizations.

Walter is also survived by his mother Susan, sister Amy and many cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and of course countless friends from the Syracuse community and the automobile community.

Private funeral services and burial were this past Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Minerva and Octavia Miller College Fund.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/minerva-and-octavia-miller-college-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

www.sisskindfuneralservice.com

Message of Sympathy
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I’m so sorry to hear of Walters passing. Jane you & the girls are in my prayers . Betty Jane Darrow Block

Written by Betty Jane Darrow Block
2019-11-17 2:27:12 AM



Jane- The first time I met Walter was at a Halloween party, dressed as a tube of toothpaste (either Colgate or Crest, I can’t remember.) That, to me, says a lot about who he was and why he’ll be missed so much. He had a unique, quirky, creative view of the world and allowed people to see things in a way they might not have considered before. His obsession with history and cars and preserving the past provided us with a fascinating lens on where we all came from and why it was (and is) important. But he really bloomed when you and your daughters entered his life. Grief is awful and Irwin and I hope you and the girls navigate through it as painlessly as possible. Please accept our sincere condolences. Kathleen and Irwin Koss

Written by Kathleen and Irwin Koss
2019-11-17 3:41:07 PM



I will never forget our friendship. Since we were little boys playing around the antique cars, or attending Hershey. You were always there to laugh and joke with. As our lives developed you always had a passion for travel, literature and history. Letting all those that wanted to learn from your wealth of knowledge. As I moved south from East Syracuse, you were the last person I said goodbye to. We kept in touch almost on a daily basis through Facebook and phone calls. My memories will be cherished forever. You put up a good fight alongside Jane and the girls. You often told me they were your rock. I now have fun times from childhood through adulthood to reminisce about. You were a great friend. Good bye.....Wally....

Written by Kevin Piquet
2019-11-17 3:59:50 PM



This makes me so sad. I used to be Octavia's third grade teacher until she switched schools. In my short time with your family you all left a special place in my heart. I always looked forward to Mr. Miller's visits to our room. He always made me smile and you could always tell the amount of love he had for you all. I am deeply sorry and pray you can find some comfort in knowing that he touched so many people's lives. I am thinking of you all.

Written by Beth Brown
2019-11-18 11:55:44 PM



Jane, my heart goes out to you and the girls. I am so very sorry for you loss. You are all in my prayers.

Written by Lisa Procanick
2019-11-18 1:25:32 AM



My heartfelt sympathies to the Miller family. Nothing but the best and fun memories of growing up next door to you on Foxboro Road. I will remember Wally for many things but most will be helping secure a Franklin automobile for my bride Lynda and I to ride to the Carosel Mall after our wedding service. I will remember Wally in my prayers. My peace to you always.

Written by Doug Silkey
2019-11-19 1:17:28 AM



DEAR JANE AND GIRLS, I AM SO SORRY TO LEARN WALT HAS PASSED. I ENJOYED HIS HUMOR, AUTOS, AND KINDNESS. HE WILL BE TRULLY MISSED. LOVE AND HONOR TO U AND YOUR DAUGHTERS FLY WITH THE ANGELS, WALT!

Written by Jennie+++ Flood
2019-11-19 2:23:43 PM



Dear Jane, Minerva,Octavia, Susan and Amy: Walter will be missed in our neighborhood! The Fallon family will remember Walter in our prayers. God please your family. Tim and Lisa Fallon and kids

Written by Timothy Fallon
2019-11-19 7:59:48 PM



Jane and family: I was saddened to hear of Walter's recent passing. I had known him for 35+ years. His knowledge of automotive literature could never be surpassed. His sense of humor was witty and clever, as were his holiday cards. I will always remember what a great guy he was. My heartfelt sympathy to all of you.

Written by Cliff Moebius
2019-11-20 4:49:23 AM