Izzy Miller Furniture owner ready to pass torch, retire

After 29 years in business, Morry Miller, owner and operator of Izzy Miller Furniture, is ending that chapter of his life to retire.

With Miller's retirement, management of the store, an anchor business in Carnegie's business district, will be passed to the store's current managers - David Walther and his wife, Donna.

'I am now at an age where it is time to pass the torch. ...' said Miller, adding that his two adult daughters living in New York have no interest in the furniture business.

Miller, 65, said the Walthers will purchase the store from him on Dec. 31.

Walther, who has been working for Miller for 20 years, said Carnegie residents should find comfort in knowing that new management doesn't necessarily mean the furniture style will change.

Izzy Miller Furniture typically appeals to customers on the 'upper end' of the pay scale, Miller said. He shares customers with stores such as Ethan Allen and Today's Home.

'We are going to have a fresh start...but it's best not to change things that are already good. The same family atmosphere will be there. What you see now is going to continue,' said Walther, who as a graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh got his start as a furniture designer and sales associate for Miller.

The legacy began in January 1946 with Miller's father, Izzy. Morry Miller began working at the family business with his father and twin brother, Larry, in 1972.

Soon after, Izzy Miller retired, leaving the business to his sons. In 1991, Larry Miller died, leaving his brother 'stuck' with the store.

Now after nearly three decades, the time has come to move on, Miller said.

'I don't look at this as being an end of Izzy Miller Furniture. On the contrary, I look at it as the beginning of a new chapter. The first chapter had to do with my father and brother. The second chapter was in my tenure. Now the store will enter into the third chapter,' Miller said.

Marcella McGrogan, director of the Historical Society of Carnegie, said raising 11 children didn't allow her the opportunity to be an Izzy Miller customer.

But McGrogan said if the store were ever to leave the area, there would be a great void in Carnegie.

'I always said if Izzy Miller would ever leave the area, the rest of us will lose out,' McGrogan said, explaining the store brings business to the area.

At the historical society, there is a miniature display of Main Street, circa 1940s. The display shows the store's meager beginnings - a small red brick bi-level storefront at 21 East Main St. Years later, the elder Miller bought the G.C. Murphy store next door.

'The store covers such a wide area on Main Street. It brings some status to our town,' said McGrogan, adding she is sad to learn of Miller's retirement.

Jeanne McWilliams of Scott Township said she has bought numerous pieces of furniture from Izzy Miller over the years.

'I have been a fan of them for a long time. He always had a nice selection of things. It would be a good move if they keep the name of the store. It's that well known,' McWilliams said.

The name will remain, Walther confirmed. He said he wouldn't dream of changing it.

'Why• Name recognition - that's very important,' Walther said.

Treshea N. Wade can be reached at twade@tribweb.com or (412) 306-4531.