Richard J. "Dick" Milner

Richard J. “Dick” “Whitey” Milner, 87, well-known Norwich English teacher, died on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, NY.

Born on April 5, 1936 in Philadelphia, PA, Dick was the son of the late Walter W. and Helen (O’Brien) Milner. He spent his childhood in Havertown, PA and graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys in 1954. In 1958, Dick graduated from Villanova University with a degree in English. He conducted graduate work at SUNY Oneonta and was especially proud of his graduate work from Harvard University in the following years.

Dick took a teaching position in Hammonton, NJ before being drafted into the United States Army. While in the service, he was a reporter for the Stars and Stripes. Following his honorable discharge in 1961, Dick took a teaching position in Norwich in the Middle School English Department, a career which he had a passion for. He inspired the lives of thousands of students until his retirement in 1996.

In retirement, Dick could be found on the golf course. He also served on the Greater Norwich Golfer’s Hall of Fame committee. Dick was a avid reader and greatly enjoyed poetry.

On August 22, 1964 at a combined wedding with his future sister and brother-in-law, in Valley Stream, NY, Dick married Mary Jane Gannon, who survives. He is also survived by his son, Andrew Milner; siblings, Walter J. (Carol) Milner, John (Peg) Milner, and Eileen Milner; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Jennifer Anne Milner on February 6, 2019 and a sister, Rosemary Milner in 1999.

Family and friends may call at the Wilson Funeral Home, 68 South Broad Street, Norwich, on Monday, October 16, 2023, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Military honors will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Norwich High School Golf Booster’s Club, 9 Gerald Street, Norwich, NY 13815, or a charity of one’s choice.