Howard P. Miller

Howard P. Miller, 86, Rockford, died on Sunday April 16, 2023 at OSF St Anthony Hospital after a short illness. He was born on January 16, 1937 in Detroit, MI, the son of Hugo and Bertrice (Stafford) Miller.

Howard owned and operated many businesses during his lifetime. He joined his brothers Ellis & Stanley, in Miller Brothers Construction Inc.- where they went on to build over 900 single-family homes as well as many commercial buildings. They developed several subdivisions including Maplewood East and Magnolia Heights. He was the founder and President of ABIDON Incorporated, with his brother Stan, where they built two commercial buildings, New Towne Plaza 1 & 2. He also ran the Antiques Mall space, located in the plaza, for many years. He also created an online auction service ABIDON similar to EBAY. Howard owned several other businesses including Mr. Clean Cleaners, Hawaiian Tan and Pork Chop Alley. He was a true entrepreneur with a keen mind and dedicated work ethic.

Howard was an avid antique collector and dealer, traveling the country & the world for rare finds. He also bought, restored and collected antique cars and trucks. His antique hot rod was his pride and joy. He belonged to many local social clubs and had a large group of friends and colleagues. He enjoyed entertaining in his home, which was a unique and creative architectural design. He loved to travel and took yearly trips to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Survivors include his brother Stanley (Delcie) Miller, half-brothers Walter & Roy Clay and half-sister Shirley Clay McHenry; nephew Michael (Tiffany) Miller, niece Terry (Brian) Byrne, great-niece Briana (David) Dettmer & their children Rayne & Caden, niece Linda Miller and long-time best friend Dick Knott. Predeceased by parents, his brother Ellis Miller; brother Ronnie and infant sister, nephew Raymond Miller and niece Debbie Miller.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday May 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Send condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.