Richard Paul Miller

Richard Paul Miller, known to many as the man with a ready smile and an infectious sense of humor, died peacefully on March 31, 2026, in Cedarburg, WI. Born on August 8, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Richard brightened the lives of all who knew him with his quick wit and warm heart.

He was a proud graduate of Palisades High School and in 1955, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as a Radar Man aboard the USS Ponchatoula. As a charter crew member, he not only contributed to naval operations but also founded the USS Ponchatoula Shipmates Association. This was a testament to his commitment and camaraderie. After the Navy Richard moved to Wisconsin to pursue his passion for engineering by earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from MSOE.

Professionally, Richard carved out an impressive career as an International Sales Engineer for Cleaver Brooks, where his technical expertise and personable nature made him a valuable asset. Outside of work, he indulged his love for travel, frequently relishing culinary adventures with his beloved wife, Janet (nee Sperber), to whom he was devoted until her passing. Their travels took them to Germany, England, Guatemala, Hawaii, and many of the continental United States. Through his travels for work outside the US, two of the best friendships with Graham and Hano were developed. In addition, his keen interest in military history kept him engrossed in study and reading. In his later years, he became a member of the Hamilton Hustlers, embracing new friendships and activities.

Richard is preceded in death by two sisters and brothers-in-law, Diana (James) Moore and Vivian (Curtis) Updegrave. He was a treasured father to Michal (Todd) Riege and Stefanie (Saud) Miller-Ahmed. A proud grandfather to Abraham (Diya) Ahmed and Zane Ahmed. And a favorite uncle to Thomas Moore, Glenn Moore, Brian Moore, Scott Updegrave, Michael Updegrave, Laura Reisinger, Lawrence Mueller, and Craig Mueller. He was also a grandfather figure to Caitlin Reisinger, Anna Reisinger, Jackson Mueller and Peter Mueller.

One of Richard’s proudest moments came in September 2023, when he took part in the Honor Flight—an experience that surely resonated deeply given his Navy roots. Those who met him remember his humor, his unwavering smile, and his capacity to brighten any room.

Friends and family will gather to celebrate his life with a visitation from 1:00 PM - 2:45 PM and funeral service at 3:00 PM at Christ Alone Ev. Lutheran Church - Calvary Campus in Thiensville, WI, on April 12, 2026. Military Honors will be held at the church. Richard will be laid to rest at St. John's Ev. Lutheran East Mequon Cemetery in Mequon, WI. Memorials to Christ Alone Lutheran Church or the Honor Flight are appreciated. 

Though Richard has departed, his legacy of laughter, loyalty, and loving companionship lives on. He was a husband, a brother, a father, an uncle, a Veteran, an engineer, a jokester, and above all, a genuinely good man who never missed an opportunity to share a smile. We’ll miss him dearly, but if you catch yourself grinning unexpectedly, it’s just Richard reminding you to find joy in the little things.