Mildred A. Mercurio, (Millie) well known in the Norwich area and former owner of Millie’s Diner passed away in the comfort of her daughter’s home with her family at her side.
Millie was born on July 17, 1941 in Hanover, PA, the daughter of Harry Deeter and Mildred Moyer Searfoss. She was a 1959 graduate of the Oxford Academy School and following her graduation she entered the United States Navy from which she was honorably discharged. While in Norwich she was employed for a period of time with Norwich Mills. In 1975 she and her husband Benny opened Millie’s Diner in Norwich which she operated until her retirement 35 years later.
For anyone who was ever in the Diner you know that Millie always spoke her mind, but in the end was a friend to all.
Millie is survived by her daughters Rose (Curtis) Oliver of Oxford, Cathy (Jeff) Montgomery of South New Berlin and Sara (Adam) Whaley of Norwich; her grandchildren Jeffrey Montgomery, Zachary Montgomery (Desiree Brown) Stephanie Montgomery (Bradley Williams) Alexis Whaley, Addyson Whaley, Leah Oliver, Olivia Oliver; and her great-grandchildren Allis Mae Montgomery, Tucker Montgomery and Korbyn Pitts; along with a special friend Mary Whaley. Also surviving are her brothers Richard (Enid) Deeter of Binghamton, James Searfoss of FL and Willard Searfoss of Indiana. Several nieces, neohews and cousins also survive.
Millie was predeceased by her husband Wilson (Benny) Mercurio in 2008, her mother Mildred Searfoss and great-granddaughter Celia Montgomery.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. There will be no formal funeral service and a private burial in the Warn TenBroeck Cemetery of Oxford.
Please consider memorial contributions to Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County, 33-39 Court St., Norwich, NY 13815.