Obituary of Steven W. Miller

Steven W. Miller, 68, of Asbury, NJ and previously of West Orange, NJ and Rockville, CT passed away on January 12, 2021 at his home with loved ones by his side. Steve was born on June 19, 1952 in Beech Grove, Indiana to the late Bill Miller and Margaret Traywick. Steve showed an interest in music at incredibly young age. He first learned drums, but quickly moved on to other instruments and never stopped. He could play drums, guitar, bass, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, accordion, tin whistle, harmonica, saxophone, piano, and dulcimer. Being a lefty during a time when left-handed instruments were not readily available, he began converting instruments. After meeting success with that endeavor, he became a luthier and built banjos, fiddles, guitars, and even accordions. Recently he took to making cigar box guitars and gourd banjos. To call him talented is an understatement. He was in multiple bands over the course of his life and loved being in the spotlight. He would wander through the crowds while performing, jump up on the bar, lay on the floor, all sorts of shenanigans. He had quite a wild side and was an entertainer at his core. Some of his recent music can be found on his YouTube page, under "steviefiddleboy." Steve loved riding his motorcycle. He had an adventurous spirit and rode all over the eastern half of the country. He would take off on a whim, or he would plan to ride to various music festivals, often in the south where the blues are still alive, and every juke joint is filled with dancing. Even in frigid temperatures, he'd commute to work on his motorcycle. Steve was known by many as a true creator. In addition to instruments, he also built furniture and cabinets. He decorated the yard with glowing pink flamingos and chained zombie flamingos. He used arrows in his garden to support the growing vegetables. He loved making different hot sauces from the variety of peppers grown in his garden. Recently, he learned to distill his own rum, calling it Monkey Shine. Steve was a wealth of knowledge to say the least. He could tell you anything about history, regardless of time, period or place. He also enjoyed literature, science, and math. Beginning many years ago, he'd commandeer the TV at 7:00 PM every weeknight to watch "Jeopardy." He rarely got a question wrong. Steve is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Cathy, his daughter, Shawnee, and her partner, Jeff. Steve leaves behind three cherished grandchildren: Winnie, Brody, and Josie. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Jean, his brother-in-law, Bob, his sister, Lisa, his beloved dog, Albie, his nieces and nephews, and many friends and fans. Steve is predeceased by his parents, Margaret and Ervin Tucker, and brother Randy. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made in Steve's name to the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi, which helps preserve the blues for generations to come. The family has arranged with the museum for a memorial to be erected in his name, so his legacy will be remembered in a place he held close to his heart. Checks can be made out to the Delta Blues Foundation and mailed to PO Box 459, Clarksdale, MS 38614 with Steve "Fiddleboy" Miller on the memo line. There is also a link to PayPal on their website ( https://www.deltabluesmuseum.org/support-donate.aspx ). Please include his name as the note. Friends and family may pay their respects on Saturday, January 23, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM for a memorial service at Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 West Washington Avenue, Washington, NJ 07882. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Warren Hills Memorial Home.