Robert "Bob" Miller

Robert A. Miller, PhD, of Brecksville, passed away quietly at home after a long and courageous battle with ALS disease on December 4, 2023.  He was 76 years old.

Bob was born in Youngstown, Ohio the son of Alden and Peggy Miller.  He grew up in Girard, Ohio and was a 1965 graduate of Girard High School. Bob received his Bachelor of Science degree in Inorganic Chemistry from Youngstown State University and earned his PhD in Physical Chemistry from Case Western Reserve University.

After completing his doctorate, Bob began a 43-year career at NASA-Glenn  Research Center in Cleveland. While at NASA, Bob conducted ground-breaking research into Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBSs), which at the time, had only begun to be considered for protecting components in turbines and advanced combustors.  Through his research, Bob published a wide variety of primary references that helped grow the TBC industry into the important industry it is today.

A disciplined and rigorous researcher, Bob authored or co-authored over 150 research papers and held 15 patents.  His work continues to be extensively cited globally with thousands of citations in “Google” scholar. 

While at NASA, Bob received the “Exceptional Engineering Achievement Medal”, the Abe Silverstein Medal for Outstanding Research and several other research awards. After retiring from NASA in 2013, Bob continued to serve as a part-time researcher until 2019. As a testament to his contributions to the Coating’s industry, Bob was inducted into the international “Thermal Spray Society” Hall of Fame in 2020.

One of Bob’s greatest loves in life was music, especially “old time” music which served as the precursor to “blue grass”.   He was an accomplished mandolin, banjo and guitar player and loved playing with his friends in the “White House Brothers” band over the years.

The band “played gigs” all over the Cleveland area as well as a variety of music festivals and fiddle conventions in Ohio and nearby states. Bob put the same energy and passion into his music that he put into his research, and he played until he was no longer able due to illness.

With his passing, Bob leaves behind his long-time girlfriend, Maria Kuczmarski, brother Ken (Patty) Miller of Girard and his sister Jan (Ernie) Artista of Twinsburg. Also left to mourn his passing are his beloved nieces and nephews; Jeannette, Angela, Kevin, Dan, Allie, Greta and Carson.  Preceding Bob in death were his parents Alden and Peggy Miller and his nephew Douglas Artista.   

It is important to note that despite his difficult and severely debilitating disease, Bob never complained and maintained his sense of humor until the end.  He will forever be remembered as an exceptional example of how to manage a tragic and unforgiving illness.

The family would like to thank all the medical personnel and caregivers that provided Bob care, comfort, support and encouragement during his difficult battle.  The family would like to specifically offer their heartfelt thanks to Maria Kuczmarski, Carol Van Duyne, Carie Kemenyes, Sarah Collice, Sal Kabba, Jim Richards and Oliver Knowles. The family would also like to thank all the neighbors and friends who helped Bob along the way.

Family, friends and neighbors are cordially invited to a celebration of Bob’s life, which will be held at Simon’s Restaurant and Deli on Chippewa Road in Brecksville on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bob’s honor to the ALS Foundation.

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