George L. Miller Of Salem Served In The Coast Guard In World War II

George L. Miller, 97, of Salem, previously of South Weymouth and Brookline, Massachusetts, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, at the Crestwood Center, Milford. George was born in South Boston, MA, the son of Alice (Lundquist) and John Miller.

George was a proud veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, serving during WWII aboard the USS Vance DE 387. His crew captured a German U-boat during a transit from Africa in the Atlantic, confined the crew, and towed the submarine to Portsmouth Navy Yard on May 16, 1945.

As a young child, George worked a variety of jobs after school, from delivering ice and coal via horse-drawn carriage to ushering at the RKO theatre prior to entering the Coast Guard. Upon his return from the service, he picked up jobs driving a cab in Boston, making deliveries for Johnson Paint supply and ultimately acquired a job with Boston Edison as an auto mechanic. When he retired, after 32 years of service, from Boston Edison and UWUA local 369 he was in Electrical Maintenance.

During his later career and through retirement, George and his wife, Chickie, enjoyed entertaining folks around New England, beginning his Santa career visiting sick patients at the Free Hospital for Women in Brookline, MA, which was later acquired by Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Through his involvement in the Crescent Yacht Club in Haverhill, MA, the American Legion, Cooties, VFW, DAV, Elks Lodge (Salem, Lawrence and Weymouth) Mason’s (Spicket Lodge, Salem) and Shriners (Bektash Temple, Concord) all in MA and NH, his portrayal of Santa evolved into developing a clown and hobo persona as well as practicing magic which he often incorporated into performances entertaining special needs children for various events throughout the years. He and Chickie also introduced the concept of Christmas in July to the Abington Lions Club where they were also very active.

They were exceptionally committed to developing and promoting the activity of clowning as well as magical performance — they were members of Clowns of America Alley 54 in Salem, MA, and also helped to found the COA Alley 159 in Weymouth, MA. George also held memberships in Society of American Magicians and the International Brotherhood of Magicians. They often visited the state hospitals in Massachusetts, the Veterans Home in Tilton, and other institutions entertaining residents who couldn’t get out – learning a new skill set, twisting balloons to help provide a greater dimension to his entertaining skills. His greatest accomplishments in the clowning and entertaining world were participating in the Boston St Patrick’s Day parade for a number of years as a clown and Hobo and opening what was the first Channel 2 TV auction as a clown, leading a brass band into the studio to open and close the auction event, as well as bit parts in a movie about Alger Hiss and appearances in the TV series “Spencer for Hire” all filmed in Boston.

A special thanks to the DAV for assisting him in navigating the VA to acquire service and benefits 50 years after his honorable discharge from his military service. And thanks, as well, to the team at the Manchester VA for their many years of service in caring for George.

George is survived by his daughter, Christine Morse and her husband, Peter of Northwood, their daughter, Caitlin Anne Jones, and great-granddaughter Keira Warner of Abington, MA, as well as his son, Gary Miller and his wife, Wayne, of Salem, and their children, Michael Miller and his wife Laura of Somersworth, and Cassandra Miller of Savannah, Georgia. George was predeceased by his wife, Geraldine “Chickie” Miller in 2014, and his two brothers, Donald P. Miller and Alfred C. Miller.

Visiting hours will be held on from 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Douglas and Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St. in Salem. A funeral service and celebration will be held at the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, 8 Pleasant St. in Salem at 10 a.m. on Dec. 7, mercy meal to follow directly and burial with military honors will be held at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, 110 DW Highway, Boscawen at 2 p.m. on Dec. 7.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Silverthorne Adult Day Center, 23 Geremonty Drive Salem or Rockingham County Meals on Wheels program (rockinghammealsonwheels.org/donate) 106 North Road, Brentwood 03833.