Trooper Joshua D. Miller, 34, of Pittston, died Sunday, June 7, while protecting the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Josh was born June 13, 1974, the son of Walter Miller of Pittston and Peggy Miller of Plymouth. Josh graduated from Pittston Area High School, Class of 1992. He then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1993, serving honorably and achieving the rank of Corporal upon his discharge. Upon his separation from active duty he worked at the Monroe County Correctional Facility. While working there, Josh enrolled at Lackawanna Junior College; and attended the Act 120 course. Upon graduation from Act 120, Josh joined the Tunkhannock Borough Police department in 1999 where he worked until September of 2002 when he then joined the Pennsylvania State Police.

Josh worked at the Bethlehem barracks, then transferred to the Swiftwater barracks. While there he was selected to be a member of an elite unit that conducted aggressive patrol within the Monroe County area of PSP operations. Josh took pride in training new troopers and hoped to instill his work ethic in these new young troopers.

While off duty Josh enjoyed hunting with his wife and spending quality time with his family and friends. Staying physically fit played a large role in Josh's life, as was evident in his high level of preparedness. In 2001, Josh met his wife Angela and they were married in October 2005.

Surviving are his wife, the former Angela Bowman of Laceyville now of Pittston; daughters, Justine Miller, 16, Breana Miller, 13, and Joslyn Miller, 2; mother, Peggy Hurysh; and stepfather, Michael Hurysh; stepmother, Laurie Blake of Duryea; sisters, Kelly Naples and brother-in-law, David Naples, and sister, Season Hurysh; brother, Jeremy Miller and Ciara Gregory, brothers, Daniel, Joel and Jacob Miller. Also surviving are mother-in-law, Robin Brown and Bill Pickett of Laceyville; father-in-law, Doug Bowman of Laceyville; step father-in-law, John Taluba of Laceyville; brother-in-law, Stephen Bowman and Jen Hill of Laceyville; sister-in-law, Brandy Taluba and Chris Norton of Silvara; brother-in-law, Mark Taluba and Stephanie Temple of Glen Rock; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Josh was preceded in death by his father, Walter, in 1998.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 12, from the Pittston Area High School, 5 Stout St., Yatesville, with Pastor Lori Robinson. Interment will be held at the Lacey Street Cemetery, Laceyville, with formal Pennsylvania State Police and Military Honors. Friends and family may call from 1 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, at the Pittston Area High School.

In lieu of flowers any donations can be made to the Josh Miller Memorial Fund, c/o P&G Federal Credit Union, 51 Warren St., Tunkhannock, PA 18657.

Story from the Pocono Record.