East Lyme - Robert E. Miller, 82, of Niantic, passed away Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, at the Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London.

Mr. Miller was born on June 29, 1926, in Providence, R.I. He was the son of Robert and Elsie DeGrass Miller.

Bob was married in Providence on Sept. 24, 1949, to his wife of 59 years, the former Elsie Sarrasin.

He was a Navy veteran of World War II, having served aboard the USS Bataan in the Pacific.

For over 25 years he had worked as a field service representative traveling the world for the Flo Serve Corp., diagnosing the problems, and coordinating the repairs to industrial pumps that the company serviced.

Bob was a beloved husband, father and grandfather who never had an unkind word for anyone. He was also known for his sense of humor; and was truly a friend to all who knew him.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his two daughters and sons in law, Laurie M. and Bryan Buckley of Niantic, Christine A. and Thomas Boone of Avon; a sister, Winifred East of Massachusetts and his five adored grandchildren, Justine and Savannah Buckley, Matthew, William and Sarah Boone.

Bob had also been predeceased by a sister, Elsie Somers.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at the Bishop Seabury Church in Groton.

At his request, the burial will be private, and there are to be no visiting hours.

Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., is assisting the family with the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donation be made to the Bishop Seabury Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 921, Groton, CT 06340.

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