George John Miller ’53

George was born in Bradford, Pa., and came to Princeton from Bradford High School. He was one of eight Millers in his family to attend Princeton in the 20th century — to say nothing of four other unrelated Millers in the Class of  ’53. He joined Quadrangle Club and majored in the American Civilization Program. His thesis on Charles Sanders Peirce was titled “American Pragmatism: Theory of Meaning.” 

After graduation George went on to the University of Pennsylvania Law School and earned a law degree in 1956. He then served two years in the Army in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps and achieved the rank of captain. Following his military service, George joined what is now Dechert, a global law firm, rising to partner and leading the firm into environmental law. After his retirement Gov. Tom Ridge appointed George chairman of the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board, where for 16 years he brought the board into the digital age and mentored younger judges. 

George was a regular at class reunions and established an annual family tailgate in 1995 at the Penn/Princeton football game — a tradition that continues to this day.  

George died May 26, 2020, at Beaumont in Bryn Mawr, Pa., of complications of COVID-19. He was predeceased by his wife, Louise, and son Paul. He is survived by daughters Kate ’82 and Meg, son Jonathan, and five grandchildren.