Tag Archives: Ray Miller

Retro Summer Swim with a Special Fair Haven Couple

A day at the beach with Fair Haven's Ray and Irene Miller Photo/courtesy of Peggy Miller
A day at the beach with Fair Haven’s Ray and Irene Miller
Photo/courtesy of Peggy Miller

For former longtime Fair Havenites Ray Miller and his wife Irene, love endured 75 years.

Aptly, the love story between the 60-year Exxon station owner and his wife started with a first date on Valentine’s Day all those years ago when they were teens. They married after an eight-year courtship and never separated for 67 of the 75 years they knew one another — until Ray’s death in May.

As anyone can imagine, the two did a lot together. A lot can happen in 75 years, including the little things, like enjoying their summers at the beach.

So, since the season fits and the love of this Fair Haven couple is timeless, the Retro Pic of the Day honors both summer and love with a fun loving photo of Ray and Irene enjoying a day of frolicking at the beach decades ago.

We’re not certain whether or not it’s Sea Bright, but it’s likely.

Thanks to their daughter, Peggy, for providing the photo.

Hmmmm. Do you think he was about to toss her in? And what do you think they were saying to one another as this photo was shot? Ray was known for his jokes. Hmmmm.

 

Retro Good Neighbor Ray Miller

Ray Miller, the owner of the former Fair Haven Esso/Exxon passed away recently.

So, Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect is honoring him as the Retro Pic (Slideshow) of the Day honoring good neighbors.

While he was known for his iconic caring curmudgeon-like personality, when Ray Miller smiled, it was real and he meant it.

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A Retro Happy Birthday to Fair Haven’s Al Robbins

Longtime Fair Havenite Al Robbins delivering fuel to Ray Miller's Esso station on River Road circa 1950s Photo/courtesy of Kathy Robbins
Longtime Fair Havenite Al Robbins delivering fuel to Ray Miller’s Esso station on River Road circa 1950s
Photo/courtesy of Kathy Robbins

Today would be former Fair Havenite and Fair Haven Fire Company member Al Robbins’ 96th birthday, so his daughter Kathy tells Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect.

So, to honor the longtime Fair Havenite and volunteer, we honor him in our Retro Pic of the Day.

According to his daughter, Kathy, the retro pic above is of Al delivering gas to Ray Miller’s Esso station on River Road back in the 1950s.

Al had a nickname: Baggie. Know why? Well, daughter Kathy says it’s because he was a kid, about 7 years old, when he started caddying at Rumson Country Club. Of course, he was tiny, so, she says, “all you could see when he caddied was the bag.”

This editor remembers Al from time with her family. The whole family was lots of fun. And, true to form in remembrance of Memorial Days past, a bunch of us, including the Robbins family, used to go camping every Memorial Day weekend in Pennsylvania Dutch Country at Oak Creek Camp.

Precious memories! Thanks for all you did for the community and this one child’s life memories. You were a good friend to all, Al Robbins! Oh, and Happy Birthday!

Friday, Saturday Services Set for Fair Haven’s Ray Miller

Longtime Fair Havenite and 60-year Exxon station owner/operator Raymond J. Miller passed away at his Middletown home on May 10. He was 92.

Born and raised in Bound Brook, Ray graduated from Bound Brook High school in 1940. After high school, he worked at Calco Chemical as a mill right then as a pipefitter.

Continue reading Friday, Saturday Services Set for Fair Haven’s Ray Miller

Retro Fair Haven Exxon Icon Ray Miller

Ray Miller at his Exxon station at the corner of River Road and Smith Street Photo/courtesy of Peggy Miller
Ray Miller at his Exxon station at the corner of River Road and Smith Street
Photo/courtesy of Peggy Miller

By Elaine Van Develde

Another Fair Haven icon has passed.

Ray Miller, a pioneer of Fair Haven small business and longtime community friend, died at 92 on Sunday.

So, we honor him today in our Retro Pic of the Day, courtesy of his daughter Peggy.

This day-in-a-life shot gives a focused picture of the Ray Miller so many knew back in the day. Gravelly voice curmudgeon-like manner always at a “high test” premium, there were countless memorable  visits made by many a youngster and their parents to Ray Miller’s Exxon at the corner of River Road and Smith Street — even if you knew you might get a scolding.

Continue reading Retro Fair Haven Exxon Icon Ray Miller