Gary Miles serves as the dedicated obituary storyteller for The Philadelphia Inquirer, where he crafts narratives that celebrate the lives and legacies of individuals who have shaped the region's cultural and professional landscape. With a career spanning nearly four decades at the newspaper, Miles approaches each story with the belief that every person matters to someone and deserves to be remembered with dignity and depth. His work transforms simple death notices into compelling chronicles of achievement, memory, and human connection.

Miles grew up in Levittown, Bucks County, before joining The Philadelphia Inquirer in 1985 as a sports reporter. For nearly three decades, he covered athletic achievements and sporting events throughout the region, developing a keen eye for storytelling and detail. In 2015, he transitioned to the role of deputy news editor for two years, which broadened his editorial perspective and sharpened his ability to identify stories that resonate with readers. This diverse background prepared him for his current position as obituary storyteller, a role he assumed in 2020.

The transition from sports reporting to writing obituaries might seem unusual, but Miles views it as a natural evolution of his journalistic mission. While sports writing celebrated moments of victory and human potential, his current work honors entire lifetimes of contribution and meaning. He meticulously researches each subject, interviewing family members, colleagues, and friends to paint a complete picture of the deceased. His approach ensures that these final public records serve as more than announcements—they become historical documents that capture the essence of a person's impact on their community.

Among the notable figures Miles has memorialized are John Langdon, an innovative graphic designer whose work influenced best-selling author Dan Brown; Roberta Fallon, cofounder of Artblog who believed art should be accessible to everyone; and Hal Sirowitz, a performance poet who served as Queens' poet laureate. He has also written about community leaders like David E. Loder, a respected healthcare attorney, and Jeanne P. Kelly, a pioneering technology executive who wrote complex technical text for NASA space bids. Each obituary reflects Miles' commitment to honoring diverse contributions across creative, professional, and civic spheres.

Miles' work holds particular significance in an era when local journalism faces numerous challenges. His detailed obituaries provide a vital service to grieving families while simultaneously creating a permanent record of regional history. The stories he tells connect generations, preserving the memory of those who might otherwise be forgotten. His background in sports journalism serves him well, as he understands how to highlight moments of triumph, perseverance, and character that define a person's life story.

Through his careful attention to detail and profound respect for his subjects, Gary Miles has elevated the craft of obituary writing at The Philadelphia Inquirer. He continues to approach each assignment with the understanding that behind every name lies a rich tapestry of experiences, relationships, and accomplishments worth preserving for future generations.

Contact information for Miles remains available to those wishing to share stories about loved ones, ensuring that his important work of memorializing lives continues to enrich the Philadelphia community's understanding of its own history and the remarkable people who have called it home.