Blair County Judge Fred Miller Remembered

On Monday morning, many people in the community learned of the passing of Judge Fred B. Miller, who will be missed by many in the county including here in the Cove.

We ask that the citizens of Blair County join us in celebrating Fred's service to the community.

Miller served as a magisterial district judge for over two decades until he was elected to be a part of the Court of Common Pleas, and was sworn in in 2024.

People knew him as a "no nonsense" judge who worked hard for the people in the county and was also involved in the community.

Miller had a heart for victims, children, and animals.

He was the quintessential family man - a devoted husband, proud father, and good son.

Magisterial District Judge Andrew Blattenberger of the district court located at the Blair County Airport said from day one, Miller was a big help to him both as a judge and personally.

"We became close friends, and talked daily," he said. "Fred always took my calls at any time of the day and for any reason. He was always there to help."

Blattenberger said when Miller was a magisterial district judge, he was a leader among the others because he was the most experienced.

"Blair County has lost an excellent judge and a man who wanted to be one," he said.

Retired Blair County Judge Elizabeth Doyle worked with him during his time as a MDJ.

"It's so sad, his passing is so terrible and untimely," she said. "He went above and beyond."

Doyle said he taught at the Sheriff's Academy, worked with the DA's and public defenders, was very involved in the community, and his family was very important to him.

"My condolences go out to the family," she said.

Doyle said when Miller got the bench in the Blair County Courthouse, he took over the DUI cases from her, and heard he was doing a great job.

"He did a great job, and had a great work ethic," she said.

Altoona Police Chief Joe Merrill said he has worked with Miller for about 19 years while he was a MDJ and on the Court of Common Pleas.

"He embodied what a public servant should be," he said. "He worked hard to solve cases in the court and found ways to make the court system more efficient. He made it easier for law enforcement and the judicial courts to work together."

Tyrone Police Department Detective Chad Weaver, knew and worked with Miller for about 15 years.

"He was an extraordinary person, and as a judge," he said. "He participated in many organizations, and did great things through programs within the court system."

Weaver said Miller was also the officiant of his wedding in 2015.

"We will be very missed," he said.

Stefanie Daratany, general manager and director of the Northern Blair County Recreation Center said he was a board member and would be greatly missed.

"His legacy in sport programs and community made a significant impact," she said. "He really reached into this community and touched many lives."

Daratany said that Miller was involved in many local programs and mentored others.

"In the time that I had known him, I had a lot of respect and admiration for him," she said.

Daratany said the board is working on a statement but wanted to wait out of respect for his family.

President Judge Wade A. Kagarise, Judge Jackie Atherton Bernard, Judge David B. Consiglio of the Blair County Judiciary released a statement on his passing.

Along with the Senior and Magisterial District Judges of our Court and our many dedicated employees, we are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our colleague and friend, the Honorable Judge Fred B. Miller. We express our sincere condolences to his wife Tracy, son Grant, his entire family and the many members of the community who loved and respected him. While our time together was not near long enough, it was exemplified by a growing bond and similar philosophy about our service to the community and justice system. We looked toward the future together very positively.

We ask that the citizens of Blair County join us in celebrating Fred's service to the community. Judge Fred Miller was elected to the position of magisterial district judge. He served honorably and continuously in this position for over two decades until he was chosen by the people to preside in the Court of Common Pleas. In 2024, he was sworn in as a Blair County Court of Common Pleas jurist where he handled hundreds of matters honorably and with integrity.

Judge Miller's service to the community extended beyond the courtroom. He donated his time and talents to numerous community organizations such as the Blair County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Northern Blair County Recreation Commission, Northern Blair County Kiwanis and the Jaffa Shrine