William Fredrick Miller, 96, of Port Charlotte, Fla., and formerly of Bay Shore, N.Y., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, at his home in Port Charlotte.

He was born Sept. 9, 1916, to John and Theresa Miller in Coraopolis, Pa.

After attending Coraopolis High School, William worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps. His Ham radio skills helped to land him a job as a navigator with American Airlines. After World War II, he moved on to the National Broadcasting Company working at Rock Center, N.Y., and afterward working at its Brooklyn, N.Y., studios, until his retirement in 1981. William and his wife moved to Port Charlotte in the early 1980s to pursue their retirement interests — her interest in gardening, and his becoming an avid fisherman and Ham radio specialist. He was a member of his local radio club, and particularly enjoyed CW and Satellite radio. William communicated with astronauts on the International Space Station and the MIR as they came within radio contact over Western Florida.

He is survived by his brother, Dr. Walter R. Miller of Sarasota, Fla.; daughter, Carol Ann Clark of Sherwood Forest, Md.; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. William was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Elsie Caroline; son, William Carl; brothers, John and Harold; and sisters, Theresa Murphy, Anna Cicco and Margaret Powers.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date by the family. Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family and sign the memory book.

Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home and Crematory, Port Charlotte Chapel.