Bruce Allen Miller of Stockport, Ohio, passed away on July 4, 2026, at the age of 76. Born on January 25, 1950, in Massillon, Ohio, to Richard and Marcella Miller, he grew up with a deep love for his hometown that never faded, especially his passion for the Massillon Tigers.
Bruce graduated from Washington High School in 1968, where he served as student council president and picked up the nicknames “Bam Bam” and “Malibu Melvin” from classmates.
He went on to attend The Ohio State University, earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in civil engineering. It was in Columbus that he became a devoted Buckeye fan and, more importantly, met Kay Colerick, the woman who would become his wife of nearly 53 years. Bruce loved telling the story of how the two first met, a tale his family says he never got tired of sharing.
A Career Built on Bridges, Dams, and Highways
Professionally, Bruce spent his career as a civil engineer with Kiewit Construction. He took pride in his work on major infrastructure projects across the country, including dams, bridges, highways, and power plants.
Early in his career, he also served in the Army Reserves, adding military service to a résumé built around public works that would benefit communities for generations.
Family, Travel, and a Lifelong Love of Racing
Those who knew Bruce best describe him as an exceptionally devoted father to his three daughters. He supported them through every major life milestone, from moves and marriages to college and career changes, always offering encouragement along the way.
Travel was another defining part of Bruce’s life. Over the years, he managed to visit 49 of the 50 states, missing only Hawaii. Of those trips, 48 were taken alongside Kay, his favorite travel companion. Much of that travel revolved around his love of auto racing. Bruce visited numerous racetracks around the country and remained an enthusiastic racing fan throughout his life.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Kay, and his three daughters, Marissa Miller (Patrick Shira), Bree Miller (Todd Swepston), and Amanda Medley (Ben Medley). He also leaves behind his granddaughter, Addison Shira, and grandsons Luke and Jackson Medley. Additional survivors include his brother, Gary Miller (Gloria) of Massillon, along with nieces Laura Klein and Michelle Cohen, nephews Jason Reed, Anthony Reed, and Timothy Reed, and many cousins in the Oscar Miller family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother-in-law, Carl and Florence Colerick, and his sister and brother-in-law, Carla and Jim Reed.
A memorial celebration honoring Bruce’s life will be held later this summer, giving family and friends the chance to gather and share memories of a man remembered for his engineering achievements, his devotion to his family, and his enthusiasm for the open road.
