Obituary of Donald W. Miller

WARRENSBURG: Donald W. Miller passed peacefully at Glens Falls Hospital on December 23, 2025, surrounded by his family, following a long battle with COPD, which he never allowed to slow him down.

He was born on March 9, 1944, in Utica, NY, to the late Clinton Miller and Gertrude (Reader) Miller. He was raised in Clinton, NY, and attended Clinton Central School, where he played high school hockey. He continued his education at Delhi College and later at Oswego State, where he played hockey during his junior and senior years and earned his bachelor’s degree in Education with a concentration in Industrial Arts.

Don married Yvonne Danyew in 1967, and they began their family the following year. He began his teaching career at the South Colonie School District before joining Glens Falls High School in 1970, where he taught until his retirement in 1999. When he began teaching in Glens Falls, Don and Yvonne moved to Warrensburg and settled into the home Don and Clark Orton built together. The following year, they built Clark and Barb Orton’s home in Lake George. Building homes soon became a summer side venture for the duo during school breaks.

During his tenure at Glens Falls, Don founded and coached the Glens Falls Indians Hockey program beginning in 1985. Under his leadership, the team won back-to-back State Championships in 1990 and 1991. His overall coaching record of 252 wins, 139 losses, and 7 ties ranked him among the top high school hockey coaches in New York State. Don continued as head coach after retiring from teaching until 2001 and, though officially retired, remained actively involved as an assistant coach until just a few years ago.

Outside of school, Don wore many hats, or helmets. Alongside his longtime friend and fellow shop teacher, Clark Orton, he both drag raced and ice raced cars they built together. The pair also operated a classic car parts business, Elderly Auto Parts, traveling to regional auto swap meets, especially enjoying the Carlisle, PA meet. There, they formed lifelong friendships with the Ames and Bennett families and spent many vacations together in their favorite destination, Key West.

Don also played senior hockey for several years. A lifelong motorsports enthusiast, he built and owned many classic cars and motorcycles, though none held more significance than his 1940 Ford Coupe, which he drove back and forth between Clinton and Oswego during his college years. He still owned the car and was in the final stages of its full restoration at the time of his passing. It will be completed in his honor by his family.

When Don’s sons developed an interest in motocross racing, he served as coach, head mechanic, and major sponsor. Both he and Yvonne spent many weekends traveling throughout Central New York for races. After retiring from teaching, Don joined Yvonne in her business, Miller Art and Frame, where he worked as a picker and antique restorer. He had a keen eye for recognizing value in items others might consider junk, understanding exactly what antique dealers sought and what they would pay.

Don enjoyed golfing, boating, traveling with his wife, and attending his grandson’s sporting events.

Don was predeceased by his parents Clinton and Gertrude Miller.

Don is survived by his wife, Yvonne; his sons, Shale (Lisa) and Jason (Nicole); his grandsons, Corbin, Clay, Troy, and Evan; his sisters, Shirley McClary and Doris (Warren) Reece; along with many nieces and nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and many dear friends.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held in the spring at a time to be determined.

Friends may call on Don’s family from 11am – 1pm, Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main Street, Warrensburg, NY. A funeral service will be held at 1pm following visitation. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online condolences, guest book and directions.