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. Miller was a man of his times and the political environment in which he grew up. Hes a good representative of what it used to be like when two sides were able to compromise.. You were taught the customer was always right. I expect we'll 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.". As recently as early December, Miller expressed the hope that he could return to Annapolis for the 2021 session. He was the longest-serving President of the Maryland Senate, and was for a period the longest-serving state senate president in the United States. First Name. He was known as a tireless advocate for higher education institutions in Maryland and the building's official moniker was the "Thomas V. Miller Administration Building. Miller was the oldest of 10 children, and began working at his familys grocery and liquor store in Clinton when he was 10 years old. 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. Michael Jackson, a former delegate who was appointed by Gov. Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Please, check your inbox! [6][failed verification], On October 24, 2019, he announced he would step down from his leadership post, citing fatigue caused by his cancer treatment. The Southern Maryland Chronicle(SoMDC) is an all-digital news source for SoMD. Clinton also put in a surprise appearance in Annapolis in 2019, at a dinner for former Maryland senators, to pay tribute to his old friend, who had disclosed his cancer diagnosis just a few months earlier. He is survived by his wife, children, eight siblings and 15 grandchildren. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. He studied at the University of Maryland, College Park where he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa, and graduated with a B.S. Former state Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. "Mike" Miller dies Jerad L Geiger April 25, 2023 (67 years old) View obituary. Mr. Miller survived various threats to his power, including a failed attempt to oust him in 2000 led by state Sen. Thomas L. Bromwell (D-Baltimore). 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. He was 78. (WJZ) -- Thomas V. "Mike" Miller, Jr., the former President of the Maryland Senate, died Friday afternoon, his family said. event : evt, Everybody wants to take credit for MGM, Lawlah said. He stepped down from the leadership position in 2019 as he battled Stage 4 prostate cancer and resigned from his Senate seat in December. Nevertheless, he kept a framed resolution of the naming in his home. Miller kept a keen eye on politics statewide, particularly state Senate races. But he will stab you in the back., Mr. Miller, when asked about Broadwaters description, replied: Thats not a bad analysis.. (function() { Miller, a 78 year-old native of Clinton, Md., had served as a Maryland state senator from 1975 until his . Its worse than inner-city Washington, D.C. The First Lady and I extend our most heartfelt condolences to President Millers wife, Patti, their five children and 15 grandchildren, his Senate colleagues, and all who loved him.. As 2019 began, Mr. Miller divulged that he had cancer but kept showing up in Annapolis, eager to demonstrate his vigor even as he was undergoing chemotherapy. Council - 2nd Ward. Candidates, issues on Valley primary ballots | News, Sports, Jobs - The His alma mater, the University of Maryland at College Park, in June named its main administration building in his honor. 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. News you can trust. This may have seemed like a small sacrifice to the outside world, but anybody who knew Mike knew the decision did not come easy. Miller announced his resignation in late December, citing failing health as the cause for not completing his term. He was 78. 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. In Memoriam. William Donald Schaefer. Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones. He wanted to be with his colleagues serving the people of the 27th District, but the physical burden was too much to bear. We all mourn his passage and celebrate his life together. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), St. Marys College of Maryland Mens Tennis Advances to Championship in United East Conference Tournament, Cardins effort to push ERA forward falls short in the Senate, St. Marys Womens Lacrosse Secures No. So looking at things from a statewide perspective, we really have to do things to help.. 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). Thomas V. Mike Miller during Maryland men's basketball's 66-78 loss to Michigan State on Feb. 29, 2020 at Xfinity Center. Larry Hogan, a Republican, reflected on Millers tireless dedication to his state. That session became a three-week grind to pass tax increases and a constitutional amendment to allow five casinos with slot machines - a long-debated proposal Miller supported to raise state revenue. } In 1989, he told a Washington television reporter that Baltimore, Marylands largest city, was a ghetto and a war zone. Some suggested the comments ended his prospects of ever becoming governor. Most recent obituaries in Toledo, Ohio. A lawyer whose district included parts of Prince Georges County near the nations capital brought a big personality to Annapolis. He was 78 years old. In his five decades of service to our state -- including thirty-three as Senate President -- he fought for everyday Marylanders, improving the lives of so many through progressive, yet always pragmatic, policies. 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. 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. Miller is survived by his wife, Patti, five children and 15 grandchildren. Miller was also credited with bringing funding to Prince Georges for a new $543 million, 11-story hospital scheduled to open this year in Largo. Miller retired last month after more than four decades as a state senator. [4], In 1971, he was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates from the third legislative district of Maryland in Prince George's County, and served in that position until his election to the state senate in 1975. A shrewd tactician, Mr. Miller controlled the Senate under six governors and endured as opponents derided him as an autocrat, as demographics in his home base of Prince Georges County shifted, and as Marylands political culture drifted left. There are thousands of former Senators, Delegates, staffers, and constituents in the 27th District that he has impacted for the better, and who each have their own Mike Miller story. Thomas Miller Mortuary Monday, May 1, 2023, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm. After then-Del. Maryland Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr Passes [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. (Joshua McKerrow / Baltimore Sun) "His . Tom grew up in Western New York and moved to Central Florida in the early 90's where he lived with his friend Rick. California Vital Records FamilySearch As the Senates leader, Mr. Miller was unafraid to lacerate rivals, accusing Gov. 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. 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, Ferguson said in a statement. The station aired Mr. Millers comments, causing a furor that dogged him for decades. 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. After years as a political volunteer, his own extraordinary political career began in 1970 with his election to the Maryland House of Delegates from a district in southern Prince Georges County. Feb 21, 2023. The cause was complications from prostate cancer, said family spokesman Jake Weissmann. He participated in the parade. Received an award in 2019 from the D.C. Chapter of the Society of Affleck's Batman and Miller's Flash first crossed paths in 2016's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice . The administration building at the university was named after him last year. . Thomas V. Mike Miller, Longtime Maryland Senate President, Dies at 78 His mane of white hair and chiseled features invited reminders of the Founding Fathers, at least in appearance comparisons that Mr. Miller rarely discouraged. Get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers in memory of a loved one in Toledo, Ohio. Thomas Miller went home to be with the Lord in the early hours of September 30th after a courageous battle with cancer. Tom was best known for his . At the time, he cited his health, including a longtime battle with cancer, as a reason. He was 78 years old. Im in the game, Im on top of it, Im right there, he told reporters one afternoon before unleashing a string of invectives, as if to prove his point. Gov. Im able to find alternatives to move forward.. Pat Kelly*. Funeral services that include a viewing or wake are usually held within a few days of a death, but a funeral or memorial service can sometimes take place much later. 1999 Tyser Medallion Award for Outstanding service to the University of Maryland. Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., pillar of Maryland's state capital for 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. Mass: St. Dominic Savio Catholic Church Wednesday . "The First Lady and I extend our most heartfelt condolences to President Millers wife, Patti, their five children and 15 grandchildren, his Senate colleagues, and all who loved him. That session became a three-week grind to pass tax increases and a constitutional amendment to allow five casinos with slot machines a long-debated proposal Miller supported to raise state revenue. Even as he waged a hard-fought battle with cancer, I was blessed to continue to benefit from Mikes wisdom and trademark humor. His legal practice and influence, especially in Prince Georges County and Southern Maryland, grew exponentially as his political career blossomed. He wanted to be with his colleagues serving the people of the 27th District, but the physical burden was too much to bear. Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., the venerable Maryland lawmaker who was the longest-serving state Senate president in American history, died peacefully Friday at his home after battling prostate cancer, his family announced. He was, in every sense, a lion of the Senate, Hogan said. Obituaries give visitation, funeral and memorial details. Some families choose to hold a visitation before the service, while others may prefer a more low-key or private family . After chairing the Judiciary Proceedings Committee from 1983 to 1986, Mike became Senate President in 1987, a role he would maintain until the fall of 2019. Fifty percent of the kids that start out in school dont graduate. Carie Watson. [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. It gave me huge exposure to people, their issues and their problems.. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Michael (Mike) Miller-age 62 of Luttrell went home to meet his Savior on Sunday morning, January 1, 2023 at his home. Am I on the wrong side of history? He announced his prostate cancer diagnosis on the Senate floor in early 2019. A lawyer whose district included parts of Prince Georges County near the nations capital brought a big personality to Annapolis. 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. Working for Mike was like working in the Mafia you go out feet first, said Gerard Evans, a lobbyist and longtime friend. He was, in every sense, a lion of the Senate," Hogan said. James Bernard Constantino. 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. The Maryland Democratic Party also issued a statement Friday evening: "These past months have been filled with difficult losses, but the passing of longtime Senate President Mike Miller is one of the most heartbreaking. 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. Im going to do what I do as long as my health says I can do it.. Sometimes, his unrestrained comments landed him in trouble. First published on January 15, 2021 / 11:05 PM. 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. Local news, weather, sports, events, restaurants and more, Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., pillar of Marylands state capital for decades, dies at 78, Commanders draft class fills several needs, features plenty of value, From World Series hero to MLBs worst, Patrick Corbin keeps taking the ball, Commanders draft Illinois DB Quan Martin, Arkansas C Ricky Stromberg. See also California Statewide Indexes at the FamilySearch Library. For decades, he was the man to see in Marylands state capital, a country-boy Democrat who rose to the heights of power in the General Assembly and used his commanding influence to direct politics and policy across the state. })(); As a result, positive legislation flowed to the [Senate] floor and across the House and with the governors signature, he said. Three years later, Mr. Miller hosted a swanky fundraiser in Baltimore, an event that many regarded as his statewide coming-out party. Even as he waged a hard-fought battle with cancer, I was blessed to continue to benefit from Mikes wisdom and trademark humor. 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. [8], Miller was married; he and his wife lived in Chesapeake Beach and had five children, a son and four daughters. Thomas V. Mike Miller, former Maryland Senate president, dies at 78 If he had your back, you never had to look over your shoulder. Standard text messaging rates apply. Thomas Vincent Mike Miller Jr. was born Dec. 3, 1942, in Clinton, Md., where his grandfather founded B.K. 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 years old. In his illustrious 33-year tenure as Senate President, Mike masterfully facilitated compromise and championed a progressive agenda for the State of Maryland. Copyright 2023 The Washington Times, LLC. He was 78. Miller kept a keen eye on politics statewide, particularly state Senate races. Sometimes, his unrestrained comments landed him in trouble. More by William J. Ford, Your email address will not be published. A devout Catholic with moderate views, Miller challenged his Democratic colleagues on approving same-sex marriage and the death penalty. 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. Miller's, a general store that Mr. Miller's father eventually took over. 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. Sign up to receive our free Daily Digest newsletter, in your inbox each morning. Youre either in the organization or if you p----d him off you were dead politically and functionally., Mr. Miller could offer foes a second chance, but only if it served a larger political purpose. Kurtz regularly gives speeches and appears on TV and radio shows to discuss Maryland politics. Enter the code you received via email to sign in, or sign in using a password. 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. 'I Have Been Blessed' | Amid Cancer Battle, Senate President Mike Miller Reflects On Time In Maryland State House, Former Maryland Senate President Mike Miller Retires, Cites Health, Maryland's Longtime Senate President Mike Miller To Step Down, Md. There are thousands of former Senators, Delegates, staffers, and constituents in the 27th District that he has impacted for the better, and who each have their own Mike Miller story. 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.. [10], For other people named Thomas Miller, see, "Md. (AP) 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. As times changed, he showed an uncanny ability to know where the Senate Democratic Caucus was and where it was headed. A backslapping raconteur, Mr. Miller was a singular presence as he ruled the Senate. Nonetheless, some African Americans chafed at what they regarded as Mr. Millers dictatorial control over local politics. As an intern in Mr. Millers office in 1977, Evans learned that his boss could be unreasonably demanding. The Miller family released the following statement shortly after 5 p.m.: At 4:25PM this afternoon, Maryland Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones. . My aunts and uncles for Christmas and birthdays would give me books and I would read and study. Miller was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1967. He was born in Tours, France and came . Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., the longest serving state Senate president in Maryland history and in the United States died Friday afternoon at his home in Chesapeake Beach following a long battle with prostate cancer. He was a master politician, statesman, avid student of history, mentor and friend. The late Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D), who spent 33 years leading the chamber. Whatever happens, Mr. Miller said, it would no longer be his problem. He stepped down from the leadership role just over a year ago but continued to represent portions of Calvert, Charles and Prince George's counties in Annapolis. Miller will lie in state in the rotunda of the Maryland State House on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, in-person visitation will be limited to appointments for invited guests only. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics. 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. He also attended the University of Maryland Law School, hanging a shingle in Clinton and then in Dunkirk. "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. The store, B.K. He was, in every sense, a lion of the Senate. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Hazel (Damewood) Miller of Luttrell and his sisters, Kathy Parker . He was, in every sense, a lion of the Senate. by lewisfuneralhome | Feb 20, 2023 | Obituaries . "He's 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 15 grandchildren, and was predeceased by his sister Judith." Beth Ann Haury . 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. on: function(evt, cb) { 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. He has got an Irish temper and an Irish humor, but you never know which one hell be in at that minute.. After quickly securing the votes to succeed Miller, Ferguson announced that his predecessor would be given the title of Senate President Emeritus, along with certain privileges. His family said in a statement that Miller died peacefully at home at 4:25 p.m., surrounded by loved ones. William Donald Schaefer (D) of hiring eunuchs and sycophants and comparing Parris N. Glendening (D), then Prince Georges County executive, to a baboon. In the heat of one election season, he promised Democrats would bury Republicans six feet deep, faces up., William Donald Schaefer dies at 89; Maryland governor, comptroller, Baltimore mayor. SoMDC covers every aspect of the SoMD Region and will continue to grow with the community. There has been no major initiative that has occurred without Mikes leadership. He had a knack for colorful political theater. Thomas Vincent (Mike) Miller Jr. Obituary 2021 - Lee Funeral Homes Mr. Miller adapted by forging alliances with a number of rising Black leaders. Maryland Obituaries Archives Online | Obits Archive Miller retired last month after more than four . 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. Mr. Miller, who regarded himself as the curator of State House history, hung portraits on his office walls of past Maryland governors, including segregationists. Local Delaware County, Pennsylvania Obituaries - Legacy.com [2], Miller was born in Clinton, Maryland on December 3, 1942, the first of ten siblings,[3] and attended Surrattsville High School. Anita Davis*. Expand. By his own account, Mr. Millers crowning achievement was the legalization of casino gambling and the subsequent launch of gaming in Prince Georges, despite fierce opposition from church leaders and civic groups.