01/16/2026
David R Miller
David Rankin Miller passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, after a brief illness. He passed from this life into the next with his dearest friend, Alexandra Wroblewski, by his side.
David was born in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, on October 26, 1953, to the late Kenneth Miller and the late Muriel “Jeanine” Miller, née Kaser. David lived in and around the Akron area all his life. He graduated from Kenmore High School in 1973 and from the University of Akron in 1978, where he earned a degree in Mass Media Communications with a concentration in journalism.
Dave was a born writer. His first job after graduation was as editor of the Falls News; however, he ultimately found his niche as a bowling writer. David was born into a family of bowlers and was himself an avid bowler. He put his journalism know-how to work as the founder and publisher of The Alley Cat, a local weekly bowling newspaper that featured highlights from area bowlers and bowling tournaments. He combined his love of bowling with his affection for a beloved pet cat named Alley to create the name of his life’s work, which ran from the late 1970s until 2004. He also worked on the short-lived Ohio Bowling News publication. Dave had a 300 ring and was inducted into the Tri-County Bowling Hall of Fame in 2006 for his service as a bowling writer. He attended many bowling writer conventions around the country, including Reno, Jacksonville, Mobile, and Huntsville. He enjoyed traveling and visited many states and places; at times, his mother accompanied him on Amtrak trips to faraway destinations.
David Miller was known as “Mr. Kenmore” because of his remarkable memory. Want to know something? Ask Dave—he would know. David will be fondly remembered for his ability to recall multiple family connections and for his sharp memory of sporting events, one of his great passions. He enjoyed watching football, basketball, and baseball. He also loved reading about sports, was an avid reader of the Akron Beacon Journal, and enjoyed surfing the web.
David was also an ardent square dancer and traveled throughout Ohio to attend various square dance conventions. He also attended state conventions and regular dances in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. He attended three National Square Dance Conventions: St. Paul, Minnesota; Detroit, Michigan; and Cincinnati, Ohio. He enjoyed the many activities and opportunities square dancing provided and was always willing to help where needed. He assisted with raids and retrievals, demonstrations, and “angeling” (helping new dancers learn), and lent a hand at conventions. Over the years, he served in many roles, including banner chairperson, publicity chair, and federation representative. He further put his skills to use as editor of Linked Squares, the federation’s publication, a role he greatly enjoyed.
Dave was an excellent dancer, dancing from Basic through Advanced 2, though he had the most fun at the Plus level. When he first became wheelchair-bound, he participated in wheelchair square dancing at conventions when available. Over the years, Dave belonged to several clubs in the Akron Area Square and Round Dance Federation, including Red Lantern Flames (Brewster), Funshop (Uniontown, now defunct), Minerva Burliques (now defunct), Circulators (Ravenna), and the original Track II Singles (now defunct). Dave and Alex were part of a small but mighty group that rescued Track II Singles from the ashes, forming the club now known as Track 2. Over the course of his square dance career, Dave was named Club Honor Person for Red Lantern Flames, Funshop, and Track II.
David came from a family of Pythians. His father was a member of the Knights of Pythias for 50 years, and his mother was a member of Queen Esther Temple #463, Pythian Sisters. David enjoyed attending the State Convention each September until he was physically unable to do so. Dave himself was a member for over 50 years.
While David never married, he formed many meaningful friendships through bowling and square dancing, which he cherished throughout his life. Several friendships dated back to high school. Special friends from Kenmore High School include, but are not limited to, Dave and Don Buckey, Mike Peticca, Susan Boehme Lewis, Tony and Valentina Adams, and members of the Kenmore classes of 1972 and 1973.
In addition to being preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Jeanine, David was also preceded in death by his half-siblings George Miller, Kenneth Miller, and Patricia Miller Wrobel, as well as his special friend Heidi Hanson. David has been reunited at the Rainbow Bridge with the pets he loved: Alley Cat, Surprise!, Bubba Trucker Kitty, Korky (his dog), Quacky (his duck), and many others.
David leaves behind his close friend Alexandra “Alex” Wroblewski; his cat, Gray Miller; many cousins; and countless friends. A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, February 8, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Schlup-Pucak-Wilson Funeral Home, 988 Kenmore Boulevard, Akron, Ohio 44314, with Pastors Tom Showalter of Goss Memorial Church and Bob Combs of Grace Church presiding. Friends may submit written eulogies and remembrances to the funeral home (schluppucakandwilson@yahoo.com), which will be read during the memorial service.
We would like to thank the care team at Pinnacle Nursing home, especially aides Michelle and Brandon for their care of David during his stay there. We would also like to thank Summa Hospital Hospice nurses Lauren and Donald who cared for Dave during his last few hours.
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