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MIAMI -- Dr. Frank J. Millero Jr., 86, passed away at home on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025.
He was born March 16, 1939, in Greenville, Pa., and was raised in Warren by his parents, Frank J. Millero Sr. and Jennie Marks Nolan.
Dr. Millero graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 1957 and continued his education at the Ohio State University, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree, and Carnegie Mellon University, receiving his Master of Science and his doctorate degrees.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Judith B. Millero; his daughter, Marta A. Millero of Miami, Florida; his sons, Frank J. Millero III (Joseph) and Anthony P. Millero of New York City, New York; and his granddaughters, Zarabeth A. Quincoses of Charleston, South Carolina, and Samantha F. Quincoses of Miami, Florida. He is also survived by his sister, Sandra J. Broff of Pittsburgh, Pa.; niece, Kristi Knecht (Steven); grandniece, Sydney Knecht; and grandnephew, Andrew Knecht of Scarsdale, New York; nephews, John Boldan (Cindy) of Mount Pleasant, Texas, and Eric Boldan of Columbus, Ohio; sister-in-law, Joan B. Wersing; brother-in-law, Paul J. Busang (Jackie) of Pittsburgh, Pa.; niece, Kristen Busang of Denver, Colorado; and nephew, Paul M. Busang of Pittsburgh, Pa.
In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carol Ann Boldan; and brother-in-law, John Wersing.
Frank's passion for chemistry emerged early. As a child, he famously sold seeds to earn money for his first chemistry set -- an early sign of the curiosity and determination that would define his life. He received many honors throughout his career, including distinguished alumnus awards from both Warren G. Harding High School and Carnegie Mellon University.
In 1966, Dr. Millero joined the faculty of the University of Miami, where he would remain for more than half a century. He held many leadership roles, including associate dean of academic studies, from 1986 to 2006. He was later named professor emeritus.
A true hands-on chemist, Dr. Millero believed the ocean could not be understood from a computer alone -- you had to draw the water yourself and measure its properties -- with uncompromising precision. He participated in research cruises across the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian and Southern Oceans, as well as the Arabian Sea, embodying his belief that chemistry and the ocean must be studied together.
Dr. Millero's scholarly output was extraordinary, with nearly 600 peer-reviewed papers and several authoritative textbooks, including Chemical Oceanography (now in its fourth edition) and The Physical Chemistry of Natural Waters. These works remain cornerstones of the field. Internationally recognized as a pioneering researcher, his work reshaped our understanding of the ocean and established standards that underpin nearly all modern marine chemical measurement. His research -- among the most cited in the earth sciences -- has been essential to advancing knowledge of ocean acidification and the global carbon cycle. Equally important, he was a dedicated mentor who shaped generations of oceanographers.
A funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Miami, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Alzheimer's Association, https://www.alz.org/, or in support of the Dr. Frank J. Millero Prize at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, https://giving.earth.miami.edu/index.html. Checks are payable to the University of Miami, c/o Rosenstiel School, in memory of Dr. Frank J. Millero, the Dr. Frank J. Millero Prize, and mailed to the University of Miami, Rosenstiel School, P.O. Box 025388, Miami, FL 33102. Please specify that your donation is to be directed to the prize.
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