Roger J. Millford Jr.'s Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of Roger J Millford Jr. of New Market, MD announce his sudden passing on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at the age of 89.
Roger was raised in the Beechview neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA where he had a modest upbringing. He went to Lee School (primary/middle) and graduated from South Hills High School in Pittsburgh in 1954. He was a member of the Dormont Presbyterian church in Pittsburgh and the Mount Airy Presbyterian church in Maryland.
He joined the Army in 1955 where he completed boot camp at Fort Jackson, SC, received specialized signals training in Fort Monmouth, NJ, and was stationed in Fort Carson, CO, as a Fixed Station Radio Operator before ending his service at Fort Riley, KS. In 1957, while still in the service, he married his high school sweetheart, Peggy Higgins, and soon after they returned to Pittsburgh.
He worked at General Wire Spring (GWS) in Pittsburgh for eight years, doing assembly line and maintenance work on electrical devices and circuits. He did this work while helping to raise five boys. To advance his career, he went to school at night while working at GWS during the day. In 1965, he graduated from Penn Technical Institute in Pittsburgh with an Electronics Certificate. This accomplishment helped launch his 30 year career as a Computer/Electronics Technician for the Department of Defense in Fort Meade, Maryland.
Soon after his graduation, he and Peggy moved their family from Pittsburgh to Maryland where they rented a home in Hanover. They welcomed a sixth child, and first daughter, Linda, to the family in 1967. In 1968, they purchased a home in Glen Burnie where they raised their family. In 1986, they moved to Elkridge where they would both retire. Their last move was to New Market in 1996, where he lived his final 29 years, including a brief stay at an assisted living facility (Spring Arbor) in Frederick.
Roger was a DIY guru with lots of home maintenance accomplishments. Whether it be plumbing, electric, drywall or woodworking, he did it himself and would often help his kids with similar work at their own homes. He learned those handyman skills from his father, Roger Sr. In 1982, he and Peggy purchased an unfinished cabin in West Virginia, which he finished and turned into a wonderful family retreat/getaway.
He enjoyed slapstick and comedies such as the Three Stooges, All In The Family, and Everybody Loves Raymond. He was a Judge Judy fan. His favorite actor was Clint Eastwood and he likely saw every one of his movies.
Growing up he loved to read books, play cards, and ride his bike everywhere. Roger, and his friends, would often ride 7 miles across town to visit his grandmother, where she would fix them lunch. He ran track in High School and later in life always challenged his kids to beat his best time in the 440 yard dash. He was an enthusiastic supporter of his kids who played on numerous sports teams, but none of them managed to step up to that challenge. Despite moving to the Baltimore area, he remained a dedicated fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Later in life, he enjoyed playing Solitaire almost every day, as it “kept your brain sharp”.
Roger and Peggy shared a lifelong friend group. While living in Maryland, they frequently returned to Pittsburgh to see family and old friends. They also liked to vacation. Some of their trips included England, Colorado, upstate New York, North Carolina, and Tennessee. At one point, they owned an RV and enjoyed vacationing in Florida with family and Pittsburgh friends.
He was an avid lover of ice cream, notably chocolate milkshakes. He enjoyed the occasional “Fribble” from Friendlies, “Frosty” from Wendys and soft served ice cream from Dairy Queen. Frequently, he would claim none of those ever compared to the delicious chocolate milkshakes from Isaly’s Creamery in Pittsburgh where, as a child, his mother treated him and began this guilty pleasure.
Those that knew Roger also knew the meaning of “PPS”. Throughout his life he jokingly claimed he was a “Perfect Physical Specimen”, which he proudly announced at every doctor’s visit and during any discussion concerning health.
For the majority of their adult lives, Roger and Peggy enjoyed hosting a monthly family dinner, and many holiday gatherings, at their home. This was a significant feat considering the large extended family noted below.
He is survived by his beloved wife Margaret (Peggy) Millford (nee Higgins) and six loving children: James (wife Martha), John (wife Karen), Jeffrey (wife Spring), Joseph (wife Lisa), Timothy (wife Sandra), and Linda Taylor (husband Roger).
Roger is also survived by 13 wonderful grandchildren, along with their spouses and significant others, and 11 beautiful great-grandchildren: Erin Latham (husband Joey; children Emmett and Jack), Heather Bentz (husband Jon; child Corbin), Jennifer Millford (significant other Darrin Frye), Evan Millford (wife Katie; children Declan and Emory), Kirsten Smith (husband Brandon; children Eli and Quinn), Zachary Millford (wife Jen; children Ellie, Finn and Henry), Maura Millford (child Wesley), Mark Millford, Beth Millford (significant other Anthony Smith), Jacob Millford (wife Michele), Joshua Millford (significant other Karina Ball), Tommy Taylor, and Kasey Taylor (significant other Michael DeWitt).
Roger was predeceased by his father, Roger J Millford Sr., mother, Mildred K Millford (nee Egerter), and sister Ruth C Millford.
Arrangements: Visitation and Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, July 26, 2025, starting at 1:00pm, at Resthaven Funeral Home, 9501 Catoctin Mountain Hwy (Route 15), Frederick, Maryland 21701. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roger’s name to a charity of your choice.
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