IN MEMORIAM: James H. Millea, 93;
WWII Vet; Iowan Moved Family Here
HARTWICK — James Hilary Millea, 93, of Hartwick, died Saturday morning, Nov. 9, 2019, at Bassett Hospital.
He was born Dec. 29, 1925, in Rolfe, Iowa, the eldest of 11 children – including three sets of twins – to Joseph Hilary Millea and Margaret Lillian née Flaherty Millea.
Raised in Iowa, he attended school up to the 11th grade, when at the age of 17 he left school, worked briefly on the railroad, then enlisted in the Navy on July 17, 1943.
He proudly served his country during World War II as a gunner’s mate, third class, and landed on Juno beach during the D-Day invasion 75 years ago. He received his Honorable Discharge from the military on Jan. 10, 1947.
On Dec. 28, 1946, Jim married Kathleen M. Healy of Bootle, England, in a ceremony at St. Matthew’s Church in Brooklyn. In 1956, the family moved from Iowa to Oneonta and then settled in Hartwick in 1957.
For many years Jim was employed as a bricklayer and stonemason for Neil R. Neilson in Oneonta. During those years he was involved with the construction of many landmark buildings including colleges, hospitals and churches in Oneonta, Cooperstown and surrounding areas.
Jim is survived by seven children, Eileen A. Murdock and husband, Robert of Hartwick, Thomas P. Millea and wife, Carole, and Denis J. Millea and wife, Janice, all of Port Kent; Joseph H. Millea and wife, Susan of Yacolt, Wash., Patrick M. Millea and wife, Wendy, Town of Maryland, Michael J. Millea and wife, Jennifer, of Hartwick, and Robert W. Millea and wife, Sukena of Atlanta, Ga.; and many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by a brother, Robert Millea and wife, Becky. of Tulsa, Okla.; two sisters, Maureen Heman and husband, Robert and Madeline Lynch, all of Emmetsburg, Iowa, and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Kathleen H. Millea, who died March 23, 1993; a daughter, Mary E. Higgins, who died Dec. 14, 2015; a son, James Robert Millea, who died Aug. 15, 2016, and seven of his siblings.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut St., Cooperstown.
The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019, at St. Mary’s “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church, 31 Elm St., Cooperstown, with Father David Wm. Mickiewicz, pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Oneonta, officiating.
The Service of Committal and Burial will follow in Hartwick Cemetery.
Jim’s family respectfully requests that expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial gifts be directed to the Hartwick Emergency Squad, PO Box 208, Hartwick, NY 13348, or the Hartwick Fire Department Company No. 1, PO Box 86, Hartwick, NY 13348.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
A very great man and will be missed by the Clegg family
We are so sorry for the loss of such an endearing father and grandfather to the entire family. He will certainly be missed by many, including those who never met him but loved hearing about him. Sending love and prayers to the Milea families.
I met Jim and his wife Kathleen in 1987 when I bought a house in Hartwick upon which Jim held the mortgage. I remember him as a fine gentleman and a great neighbor. His tales of his social adventures in Florida were told with delightful Irish humor.
Deepest sympathy to the Millea family. Jim was a wonderful man. May treasured memories carry you through this difficult time.
I am sending you all Hugs and sorry about your loss. Jim was a great man. I love all of ya. Sorry I couldn’t make it. Cookie Folts