Randal Paul Miller

Randal Paul Miller, 83, died suddenly on March 30, 2022 at the Village of St. Edward in Fairlawn, Ohio. Born July 7, 1938 to Larry and Josephine (Simkin) Miller in Akron, Ohio, Randal was a brilliant student, graduating as class valedictorian both at Cuyahoga Falls (Ohio) High School in 1956 and at Xavier University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, in 1960. He went on to earn a Master’s degree from Xavier in 1961 and pursued graduate studies at the Ohio State and Iowa State Universities. He shared his love of mathematics, statistics, and computer science with two generations of college students in a 40-year teaching career at Ohio State, Iowa State, Ball State, Allegheny College, and the University of Pittsburgh—Titusville before retiring in 2002. He was a life member of the American Mathematical Society.

A 38-year resident of Meadville (Pa.), Randal grew deep roots in community and faith organizations including Allegheny College, St. Brigid Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Meadville Roundtable, and Crawford County’s READ Program. He was passionate about classical and sacred music, singing for years in beloved choral groups at St. Brigid and Christ Church Episcopal, and with friends from Allegheny and the Meadville community. Colleagues, friends and students will not soon forget Randy’s unique blend of mathematical precision, rollicking humor, and personal generosity.

A lifetime bachelor, Randal was preceded in death by his parents and a beloved sister, Diane Miller Data (1940-86). He is survived by an adopted son, Craig Smith; grandson, Carson Thompson-Smith; four nephews, Mark (Debra) Data, Scott (Carla) Data, Derek (Amanda) Data, and Phillip (Kristen); five grandchildren, an extended family, and a wide circle of friends.

Funeral services will be held April 29 at 1:30 pm at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Akron, Ohio and streamed live for out-of-town friends at www.stvincentchurch.com. 

Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Fairlawn, Ohio.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Randal Paul Miller, please visit our floral store.