Arnold "Buzz" Millar

ILION – Mr. Arnold “Buzz” Millar, of Ilion, New York, passed away on March 9th, 2025, at the age of 89, after a brief illness.

He was born in the family home in Mohawk, New York, on June 14, 1935, to the late Hugh and Louella “Polly” (Reinhardt) Millar. He graduated from Mohawk High School in 1952 and received his bachelor’s degree from Utica College of Syracuse University. While working in the Standard Furniture Company in Herkimer, he met Mary Ann Risi. They were married on August 23, 1958, at St. Anthony's Church in Herkimer. They were blessed with 65 years together, until Mary Ann’s passing in June of 2024.

Buzz is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Netti and her husband Nick, his son Brian Millar, and his grandchildren, Danica Rockwood and her husband Matt, Nicholas Netti and his fiancé Angela Rifenburg, Annie Millar and her boyfriend Mitch Graves, and Sophie Millar. He leaves behind step-grandchildren, Andrew Gahan and wife, Jennifer, their daughters, Kennedy and Kory, and William Gahan and his children, Gloria and Billy. He is also survived by in-laws Richard and Loretta Risi. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Ann, his sister, Adelaide, his in-laws, Ted Daly, Victoria and Fiore Ameduri, Angela and Tony Vella, and Lawrence and Janet Risi.

Buzz was employed by several local industries in engineering and managerial capacities: Univac, General Electric, Cogar Corporation, Singer Corporation, Mohawk Data Sciences, Savin Business Machines, and International Computers Ltd. He was also the owner of Mohawk Engineering Services, which supplied product safety expertise for companies in the United States, Canada, and England.

He was employed as a part-time police officer for the Ilion Police Department for twenty years, a Deputy Sherriff for three years, and a Probation Officer for Herkimer County for twelve years.
Buzz gave back to his community. He was a Boy Scout leader, as well as a long-term member of the Winter Club and the Ilion Elks. He was a former Exalted Ruler and served as State Vice-President for the Elks organization. He was also the Drug Awareness Chairman for the Elks and served as their liaison to the DARE program. In retirement, he served as a volunteer at the Mohawk Homestead and as a physical therapy participant for laboratory practicums at Herkimer College.

Buzz lived his life by one guiding principle, “My Dad was the most kind, sincere, and honest man I have ever known. I only hope to be remembered to have been half the man that he was.”

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 14th, 2025, beginning with a calling hour, at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street, in Herkimer. Family and friends are invited to share in the day as the calling time will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. concluding with a funeral home prayer service to be held.

A luncheon will be announced to follow, and spring burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Herkimer, New York.

Donations in memory of Buzz may be considered to a charity of your choice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The Millar family is preparing all arrangements with the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 866-1011.

An online memorial has been established at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.