11/20/2021
We Remember
Robert L. Milliken
May 8, 1944 - November 15, 2021
Bob served as a full-time pro-bono Executive Director of CCABVI for three and one-half years January 2016 through May 2019. Trained as a mechanical engineer, he was able to resolve workshop issues such that during his tenure he made CCABVI one of the best National Industries for the Blind (NIB) suppliers.
He was only the third Executive Director in CCABVI history. The first was the founder, Reginald Henry, who along with his wife Alice were the backbone of organization from 1948 until 1980. The second was Anita Cavuto who retired in December 2015 after 65 years with the organization.
Newly on the CCABVI Board when Ms. Cavuto unexpectedly retired for health reasons, Bob agreed to help fill the management need on an interim basis. He was used to stepping forward. He was President of the Coatesville Lions at the time. He had served on the Regional Planning Committee of the Western Chester Chamber of Commerce, in the Masons and Scottish Rite, as President of the King of Prussia Chapter of the American Society of Highway Engineers, a Boy Scout leader, a swim competition official, and a Trustee of the Olivet Methodist Church.
Bob served as a Navy Petty Officer 1st Class from 1962 through 1970 with two of those years during the Vietnam conflict. He was instrumental in having CCABVI as an ongoing participant with the VA’s program providing work restoration opportunities for veterans who are vision impaired. Knowing of his deep patriotism, one of CCABVI’s gifts upon his retirement was a flag flown over the US Capitol. He also raised a similar new US flag from US Representative Chrissy Houlahan and a PA Commonwealth flag from PA Senator Dinniman at the Open House.
Photo description:
At the July 9, 2019 CCABVI Open House honoring Bob Milliken on his retirement as Executive Director, Lions District Governor for Chester and Berks Counties, Marilyn Wagner presented Bob with a Melvin Jones Fellow Award, among the highest Lions Club awards recognizing service. Photo by Aleesha Nicole Photography, Downingtown, PA
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