(function() { Paying the transaction fee is not required, but it directs more money in support of our mission. You were taught the customer was always right. Miller is survived by his wife, Patti, five children and 15 grandchildren. William Michael Stegall March 19, 2023 (52 years . It is impossible to think of the Maryland Senate and not think of Mike - not just because of his historical longevity -- but because each member of the Senate has his or her own Mike story, said Senate President Bill Ferguson, Millers successor. Staff writer Erin Cox contributed to this report. Miller was a titan of Maryland. Mr. Miller often attributed his political endurance to his ability to see whats going to happen before it happens. Despite his own reservations, he facilitated the abolition of the death penalty in Maryland in 2013 after polls showed the public supported the ban. Even though we clashed and passionately disagreed on issues, there was never a doubt that he was doing what he thought was best for the people of Maryland.. This article was published more than2 years ago. According his family, Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. was surrounded by loved ones Friday, Jan. 15, as he passed away at his home on the Chesapeake Bay. on: function(evt, cb) { Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., the nations longest-serving president of a state Senate and a pillar of Maryland government for nearly a half-century, died Jan. 15 at his home in Chesapeake Beach, Md. Senate President Mike Miller's Health Following Cancer Diagnosis 'Largely Good', Maryland State Senate President Mike Miller Has Prostate Cancer. Thomas V. Mike Miller, a major force in Maryland politics for decades and the nation's longest-serving state Senate president, has died, his family said. . In 1970, Mike was nominated to the House of Delegates to represent his district in Prince Georges County, and four years later was elected to the State Senate. } Hes survived by his wife, Patti, son Tommy, daughters, Amanda, Michelle, Melissa, and Melanie, sisters Susan, Cynthia, Melinda, Nancy, and Kim, brothers, Jonathan, David, and Mark, and his fifteen grandchildren, and was predeceased by his sister Judith,. Three years later, Mr. Miller hosted a swanky fundraiser in Baltimore, an event that many regarded as his statewide coming-out party. He regularly presided over a strong Democratic majority in the chamber in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1. The people of Maryland are forever indebted for his service.". Mike received the following awards for his long career of service: 1999 Tyser Medallion Award for Outstanding service to the University of Maryland, Outstanding Alumnus of the University of Maryland, William P. Coliton Community Service Award for Excellence. degree. As a historian, theres no doubt about it, but Ill deal with that in my own mind, he said when the Senate gave the bill final passage. FORT MILL - William Timothy Sutton II, 29, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at his home in Fort Mill. Millers Senate seat was just filled Wednesday, the first day of the General Assembly session, by former Del. It came only from love for the Senate, the State of Maryland, and its people.. It was nothing more basic than getting reelected, Evans said. Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Miller, whose beloved state Senate bears his name on its Annapolis office building, presided over the chamber for 33 years before passing the gavel to current Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) in October 2019. He stepped down from the leadership position in 2019 as he battled Stage 4 prostate cancer and resigned from his Senate seat in December. Miller was a major force in Maryland politics and the state's longest-serving Senate president. There has been no major initiative that has occurred without Mikes leadership. With large portraits of Marylands four signers of the Declaration of Independence hanging on the Senates walls, he revered his states history, and often brought the subject up in conversation or debate. listeners: [], He won his first election to the House of Delegates in 1970 and moved to the Senate four years later. Maryland state Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller announced in the Senate Chamber that he has prostate cancer on January 10, 2019. [8], Miller was married; he and his wife lived in Chesapeake Beach and had five children, a son and four daughters. He is survived by his bereft, loving wife, Diane Thomas Miller, who dearly wishes a cure would be found for Alzheimer's so fine men like Mike could live out their days without suffering. He also had a rendering of the trial of Mary Surratt, a Clinton native and a co-conspirator in President Abraham Lincolns assassination. All of a sudden I saw this curly-haired guy coming around the corner. He was 78. governors scandals overshadowed states progress. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. But even his most brash comments didnt seem to hurt him significantly on Election Day or during the annual votes by the Senates 47 members at the start of each legislative session in January to keep him at the helm of the chamber for 32 years. Miller's, a general store that Mr. Miller's father eventually took over. Hogans son, Larry, for whom Mr. Miller babysat, became Maryland governor during the last years of Mr. Millers reign in Annapolis. FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019 file photo, Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller speaks with members of the news media after listening to Gov. My thoughts are with Patti and the entire family.. In a nod to Millers stature, one of the Senates office buildings already carried his name when he wasnt even halfway through his unprecedented tenure. Larry Hogan, a Republican, reflected on Millers tireless dedication to his state. 03/11/1955 - 03/30/2023 James B. Constantino, 68, of Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, passed away after a long illness on March 30, 2023. He was 78 years old. Fifty percent of the kids that start out in school dont graduate. Larry Hogan (R) to succeed Miller in the Senate and was sworn in Wednesday, said his heart hangs heavy upon word of Millers death. Gov. Miller maintained a long-held passion for higher education in Maryland, particularly the University of Maryland, College Park, his alma mater. We all mourn his passage and celebrate his life together. Looking to represent the people of Prince Georges County, his main areas of practice were criminal defense, personal injury, medical malpractice, family law, and workers compensation. But almost every conversation was also laced with levity and profanity. At the time, he cited his health, including a longtime battle with cancer, as a reason. All rights reserved. Hogan ordered state flags to fly at half-staff Friday in honor of Miller. Lois Thomas Ryder April 21, 2023 (90 years old) View obituary. . He was, in every sense, a lion of the Senate. He was a Maryland institution, as the longest-serving Senate president in our state's history. State flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day Miller is laid to rest, Hogan said. Larry Hogan said "Maryland has lost one of its most revered leaders, and I have lost a dear lifelong friend. A copy or an extract of most original records can be purchased from the California Vital Records State Department of Health or the County Clerk's office of the county where the event occurred. The nation's longest-serving He was 78 years old. Miller, whose beloved state Senate bears his name on its Annapolis office building, presided over the chamber for . Today, I join all Marylanders in mourning the passing of a champion of the Senate of Maryland, Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. Mike was a family man, and his Senate family joins his family in mourning his passing. I havent missed a meeting yet and I fully participate as Im able to, he said in an interview with Maryland Matters at the time. Mr. Miller cited the incident as his sole political regret. Service map data OpenStreetMap contributors. Miller could be a heavyweight political brawler and power broker who knew how to play well to the crowd. Hes survived by his wife, Patti, son Tommy, daughters, Amanda, Michelle, Melissa, and Melanie, sisters Susan, Cynthia, Melinda, Nancy, and Kim, brothers, Jonathan, David, and Mark, and his fifteen grandchildren, and was predeceased by his sister Judith.. He stepped down from the leadership position in 2019 as he battled Stage 4 prostate cancer and resigned from his Senate seat in December. So looking at things from a statewide perspective, we really have to do things to help.. In addition to his wife, survivors include five children Melissa Miller of Chesapeake Beach, Michelle Miller Fink and Melanie Miller, both of Annapolis, Tommy Miller Jr. of West River, Md., and Amanda Miller Stokely of Sunderland, Md. Four years later, he was elected to the state Senate where he served until Dec. 23, 2020. 8000 Woodyard Rd, Both Democrats were 25 when they were elected to the House of Delegates on Election Day. Melvin Steinberg, then the Senates leader, described Mr. Miller as his enforcer and appointed him chairman of the powerful Judiciary Committee. He was 78. Ingeborg Anna Falacara April 17, 2023. . He wasnt an ideologue but shepherded through countless bills that impacted every aspect of life in Maryland. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Thomas Vincent (Mike) Miller Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store. He studied at the University of Maryland, College Park where he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa, and graduated with a B.S. Despite his serious health challenges, he forged ahead, serving the citizens of the state of Maryland and Prince Georges County, Calvin Hawkins II, chair of the county council, said in a statement. Terms of Service apply. That happened with a strong push from the Senate president, who noted in later years that the states six casinos would be part of his legacy. ); I was fortunate to have received his counsel and advice when I became Speaker. His parents politics spanned the Democratic spectrum, with his father a conservative and his mother a New Dealer who encouraged her son to go to law school. Oops, this content can't be loadedbecause you're having connectivity problems, Stay always informed and up to date with our breaking news alerts, - Associated Press - Friday, January 15, 2021. Our democracy is the oldest in the history of the world, but its on very shaky legs. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. I study history. Mass: St. Dominic Savio Catholic Church Wednesday . Feb 21, 2023. Michael V. Miller. Nevertheless, he kept a framed resolution of the naming in his home. He was Senate president over the span of five governors, from Democrat William Donald Schaefer to Hogan. Our hearts go out to his family -- we offer our deepest condolences. Sign up to receive our free newsletters, in your inbox each morning. He was 78. He was 78. He was 78. Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., the longest-serving president of the Senate in Maryland and the United States, Wednesday announced he is resigning his seat, effective today . The Miller family released the following statement shortly after 5 p.m.: [3], In January 2019, Miller disclosed that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in July 2018 and underwent prescribed medication treatment;[9] in December 2018 he underwent chemotherapy after the cancer was found to have progressed. "For over 50 years, Mike served the people of Maryland in the General Assembly first as a staffer to the Prince Georges County Delegation; then as a member of the House of Delegates, a member of the Senate, Chair of the Judicial Proceedings Committee; and for 32 years, as President of the Maryland Senate. Mike passed away in 2021, and is survived by his wife, five children, and 15 grandchildren. Former state Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. Mike Miller died Friday, the culmination of a life dedicated to Maryland that will serve the state well for decades to come, friends and former colleagues said Friday afternoon. Whether it's the Senator who he quietly consoled through family matters, the Senator who he mentored to compromise and pass legislation, or those who experienced the personal care of Mike to truly listen to their concerns. Thomas Vincent Mike Miller Jr. was born Dec. 3, 1942, in Clinton, Md., where his grandfather founded B.K. He saw everything from a historical context and tried to get ahead of history to see where things were going.. In Memoriam. He never took his eye off of it.. "My heart and my mind remain strong, but my body has grown too weak to meet the demands of another legislative session," Miller wrote in a letter to Senate President Bill Ferguson. Miller survived a coup attempt in 2000, engineered by Republicans and rogue Democrats, and his stature within his chamber was so powerful that the Senates new office building in Annapolis was named for him in 2001 even though he was still living and serving. He served as the state Senate president from 1987 until 2019. He once declared at a 2006 luncheon with fellow Democrats that they would put Republicans in the ground in the upcoming election. When News Matters, It Matters Where You Get Your News. Clinton, He stepped down from the leadership position in 2019 . Myrna and I were privileged to have him in our lives for all these years. })(); As a result, positive legislation flowed to the [Senate] floor and across the House and with the governors signature, he said. Miller was a University of Maryland graduate and remained a passionate booster of the College Park campus and its sports teams until his dying day. But we arent acting like it, Taking stock of the first 100 days of the Moore-Miller administration, Bill Ratchford, widely-admired power of Md. His family said in a statement Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 that he died at home surrounded by loved ones. Maryland has lost one of its most revered leaders, and I have lost a dear lifelong friend, said Hogan, who first met Miller in the 1960s. He wanted to be with his colleagues serving the people of the 27th District, but the physical burden was too much to bear. If he needed you, he brought you back, said former state senator Gloria G. Lawlah (D-Prince Georges), who mended fences with Mr. Miller after a falling-out. Miller also was prone to speaking his mind, whether with reporters who gathered to talk to him regularly after the Senate took a break for the day or publicly at an event. ", "Serving the people of our great state was Mike Miller's life's work, and he did so with unrelenting passion and courage for a remarkable 50 years," Hogan said. In a show of political gamesmanship, Mr. Miller forced two special sessions of the Assembly, after which the fate of what became the MGM Casino at National Harbor was left to voters to decide in a 2012 referendum. He was a master politician, statesman, avid student of history, mentor and friend. Once, while discussing a tough special session in 2007, he pulled back his suit jacket and showed reporters where red ink from a pen had leaked, as if he were bleeding. He once declared at a 2006 luncheon with fellow Democrats that they would put Republicans in the ground in the upcoming election. Senator Ben Cardin issued the following statement: "It will take time for me to process that we have really lost Mike Miller. After then-Del. And so when I ran, I treated my constituents like they were my customers, Mr. Miller said in the interview. His core was delivering as a retail politician.. Maryland Sen. Thomas V. Mike Miller, a pragmatic, tough-minded leader who presided over a progressive agenda in the chamber for a record 33 years, died Friday afternoon, his family announced. Besides a picture of Miller in the Senate chamber and his name on the office building, his Senate colleagues created the title of President Emeritus and voted to bestow it upon Miller. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Whether its the Senator who he quietly consoled through family matters, the Senator who he mentored to compromise and pass legislation, or those who experienced the personal care of Mike to truly listen to their concerns. He was 78. Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones. In 1970, with the backing of the Prince Georges Democratic machine, Mr. Miller won his first political race, capturing a House of Delegates seat. {"requests":{"event":"https:\/\/southernmarylandchronicle.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/newspack-popups\/includes\/..\/api\/campaigns\/index.php"},"triggers":{"trackPageview":{"on":"visible","request":"event","visibilitySpec":{"selector":"#c37d","visiblePercentageMin":50,"totalTimeMin":250,"continuousTimeMin":100},"extraUrlParams":{"popup_id":"id_260390","cid":"CLIENT_ID(newspack-cid)"}}}} Stepping down from the Senate was one of the most difficult decisions of Mikes life. Search Obituaries. He didnt live in a world where he would substitute his core beliefs for what he saw as the larger consensus, said Todd Eberly, a St. Marys College of Maryland political scientist. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Please check your inbox for an authentication link. Although he resided in Calvert County, some will always remember him as a Prince Georgian. in business administration in 1964. Received an award in 2019 from the D.C. Chapter of the Society of Nearly two years after he announced his cancer diagnosis, Mr. Millers passing unleashed a wave of grief in Annapolis and further sealed a complete leadership transformation at the State House he presided over for 33 years. Mike then went on to start his own legal practice, opening his first office in Clinton, MD, just down the road from his grandfathers store. Thanks for submitting! Thank you for registering!Please visit My Account to verify and manage your account. Get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers in memory of a loved one in Toledo, Ohio. He was born in Tours, France and came . (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. I grew up before television. Affleck's Batman and Miller's Flash first crossed paths in 2016's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice . Serving the people of our great state was Mike Millers lifes work, and he did so with unrelenting passion and courage for a remarkable 50 years. More by William J. Ford, Your email address will not be published. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Hazel (Damewood) Miller of Luttrell and his sisters, Kathy Parker . He was also known for his sense of humor, was on display the day after the 2019 death of House Speaker Michael Busch, when he told a story from 1987 of Busch, then a first-year delegate, having a bit of a mishap during an inaugural parade around the State House for Gov. Thomas V. Miller Jr., known to most as Mike Miller, dedicated his life to the people of Maryland. He had more political contacts at 18 years old than Ive ever had any time Ive been alive, Thomas Farrington, who worked alongside Mr. Miller in the Young Democrats in the 1970s, once told The Washington Post. I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of my friend, colleague and trusted advisor, Senator Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., she said in a statement. As a result of his tenacity and spirit, he was able to shepherd vitally important legislation to the Senate floor, through the House, and to the Governor for signature. In 2001, the law firm became a family business when Mike's daughter, Melissa Miller, who previously served several years as Assistant State's Attorney, joined as partner. The Senate he presided over legalized gay marriage, ended the death penalty, introduced casino gamblingwhich greatly increased public school funding, cleaned up the Chesapeake Bay, and accomplished countless other legislative victories. as well as three brothers, five sisters and 15 grandchildren. Nonprofit. His legal practice and influence, especially in Prince Georges County and Southern Maryland, grew exponentially as his political career blossomed. Even as he waged a hard-fought battle with cancer, I was blessed to continue to benefit from Mikes wisdom and trademark humor. Coverage for the Washington Informer includes Prince Georges County government, school system and some state of Maryland government. Four years later, he was elected to the state Senate as a conservative Democrat. Last Name. I [lost] a teammate and mentor who trusted me to succeed him, he tweeted. As much as anything, he yearned for a return to the political center. He won his first election to the House of Delegates in 1970 and moved to the Senate four years later. February 14, 1973 - September 9, 2022 Michael "Mike" Miller passed away unexpectedly in a car accident at the age of 49. Because of his illness, Mr. Miller relinquished the Senate presidency in October 2019 but retained his seat as a rank-and-file member until Dec. 23, when he resigned. Once, while discussing a tough special session in 2007, he pulled back his suit jacket and showed reporters where red ink from a pen had leaked, as if he were bleeding. Thomas V. Mike Miller, a major force in Maryland politics for decades and the nations longest-serving state Senate president, has died, his family said. I havent forgotten your vote, he wrote. I expect well hear many of them in the days and weeks ahead, and I hope the public will listen and get a glimpse of the impact Mike made., Miller represented the 27th District, which includes portions of Prince Georges, Charles and Calvert counties, in the Senate before announcing his resignation on Dec. 23, citing health reasons. Janet Tarpley. Sign up for The Daily Newsletter, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). Miller was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1967. He was 78 years old. Working for Mike was like working in the Mafia you go out feet first, said Gerard Evans, a lobbyist and longtime friend. Hagerstown attorney and former state legislator D. Bruce Poole said Friday he will always remember Miller as a kind man and one whose work for the state will benefit it for many years to come. MD 20735. Mike graduated from the University of Maryland in 1964 with a bachelors degree in Business Administration and received a law degree from the University of Maryland Law School in 1967. April 7, 2023, 3:09 p.m. Miller was the longest-serving presiding officer of a state legislature in U.S. history before relinquishing duties to Ferguson, of Baltimore, in 2019 after he was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. [2], Miller was born in Clinton, Maryland on December 3, 1942, the first of ten siblings,[3] and attended Surrattsville High School. [citation needed], The Senate office building in Annapolis was named after him due to his being the longest-serving Senate president in the history of the state legislature. He was Senate president over the span of five governors, from Democrat William Donald Schaefer to Hogan. The cause was complications from prostate cancer, said family spokesman Jake Weissmann. { Hes a good representative of what it used to be like when two sides were able to compromise.. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Early last year, a portrait of Miller was hung in the Senate chamber, not far from where his new desk was. Millers, a general store that Mr. Millers father eventually took over. Black News, Commentary and Culture | The Washington Informer. He was, in every sense, a lion of the Senate," Hogan said. Statement from Senate President Bill Ferguson: Today, I join all Marylanders in mourning the passing of a champion of the Senate of Maryland, Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. Mike was a family man, and his Senate family joins his family in mourning his passing. Mr. Miller befriended Smalls press consultant, Lawrence J. Hogan Sr., who would become a U.S. congressman and Prince Georges County executive. Im able to find alternatives to move forward.. I mean, its these dime bags of PCP. Thomas Vincent Miller Jr. (December 3, 1942 January 15, 2021), known as Mike Miller, was an American politician from Maryland. First Name. In Annapolis, Mr. Millers influence was growing. He was 78. In a statement, current Senate President Bill Ferguson called Miller a "champion of the Senate": "It is impossible to think of the Maryland Senate and not think of Mike - not just because of his historical longevity - but because each member of the Senate has his or her own Mike story. Republicans also treasured Millers friendship and guidance, even as they sparred with him politically. Michael V. Miller Obituaries. Miller rose quickly in Senate leadership, serving as chairman of the Judicial Proceedings Committee from 1983 to 1986. Photo by Bruce DePuyt. Buschs successor, Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore County) paid tribute to Miller Friday evening. He had been a state senator representing the 27th District (Calvert, Charles, and Prince George's Counties) from 1975 to 2020 and served as its President from 1987 to 2020. Visit the SUBSCRIBE page to sign up for our morning newsletter. He sees me and puts both hands on my lapels and backed me against the wall, Lee once told The Post. Miller described his mother as a Franklin Roosevelt Democrat and his father as a conservative Republican, and his own political makeup seemed like a combination of the two. Gov. Subscribe to this newsletter to have the latest obituaries delivered to your inbox weekdays at 5 . Beth Ann Haury . At 44, Mr. Miller assumed the Senates throne, fueling chatter that he was on a glide path to becoming governor. But, you know, they were products of their times. William Donald Schaefer. Ever the pragmatist, he had reached out months before to four newly elected senators, progressives who had defeated his more moderate lieutenants in the 2018 Democratic primary. by lewisfuneralhome | Feb 20, 2023 | Obituaries . forms: { Also surviving is his brother-in-law, Marty Loomis, who was a wonderful source of help . Even as he voted no, he allowed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage to move forward in 2012, a shift he attributed not only to political pragmatism but to his friendships with people who were gay.

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