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. 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. Obituaries give visitation, funeral and memorial details. Thomas V. Mike Miller, longtime president of Maryland Senate, dies SoMDC appreciates all feedback from the community, along with tips, pictures, articles contributed, and support. Process to replace Miller underway (copy) | Local News | somdnews.com listeners: [], He was 78. [2], Miller was born in Clinton, Maryland on December 3, 1942, the first of ten siblings,[3] and attended Surrattsville High School. He was born in Tours, France and came . Mr. Miller adapted by forging alliances with a number of rising Black leaders. 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. 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. Four years later, he was elected to the state Senate as a conservative Democrat. ", Gov. This article was published more than2 years ago. His core was delivering as a retail politician.. Fifty percent of the kids that start out in school dont graduate. 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. 2023 www.heraldmailmedia.com. I havent forgotten your vote, he wrote. He wasnt an ideologue but shepherded through countless bills that impacted every aspect of life in Maryland. That eagerness to serve fueled his historic legal and political career centered on creating a better Maryland for its people. Three years later, Mr. Miller hosted a swanky fundraiser in Baltimore, an event that many regarded as his statewide coming-out party. 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. 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. [2][9] Miller died at home in Chesapeake Beach from the effects of the disease on January 15, 2021. He slips on the ice and falls. 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. Maryland State Archives photo. Larry Hogan (R) to succeed Miller in the Senate and was sworn in Wednesday, said his heart hangs heavy upon word of Millers death. In 1970, with the backing of the Prince Georges Democratic machine, Mr. Miller won his first political race, capturing a House of Delegates seat. Michael V. Miller Mike was a wonderful guy. 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. 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. Sen. However, he did lead the effort to legalize gambling in the state with a casino resort at National Harbor near the Virginia and D.C. borders. If you dont know him, youll think hes the best of buddies. 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. So, Senator Miller demonstrating what he had preached so often stepped down to make sure his district could have the best representation possible. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. My thoughts are with Patti and the entire family.. We've recently sent you an authentication link. Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. forms: { Michael A. Jackson (D), a former Prince Georges County sheriff and the man Miller wanted to succeed him. 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. 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. William Donald Schaefer. Get a code sent to your email to sign in, or sign in using a password. Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., longtime Maryland senate president, dies at 78 It is shit., I hope youre not going to play this on tape, Mr. Miller said, laughing nervously before adding that Baltimore is a war zone. 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. Thomas V. Miller Jr. - Wikipedia Miller maintained a long-held passion for higher education in Maryland, particularly the University of Maryland, College Park, his alma mater. Mr. Miller befriended Smalls press consultant, Lawrence J. Hogan Sr., who would become a U.S. congressman and Prince Georges County executive. Get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers in memory of a loved one in Toledo, Ohio. He has got an Irish temper and an Irish humor, but you never know which one hell be in at that minute.. By BRIAN WITTE January 15, 2021. He was 78. 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. A student of history and deeply sentimental, Millers home library was filled with more than 5,000 volumes, sorted by subject and historical era. [6][failed verification], On October 24, 2019, he announced he would step down from his leadership post, citing fatigue caused by his cancer treatment. Miller maintained a collegial presence in the Senate. 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. 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. He was 78. We cover all of Charles, Calvert, and St. Marys Counties; along with the Southern portions of Anne Arundel and Prince Georges County. 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. He once declared at a 2006 luncheon with fellow Democrats that they would put Republicans in the ground in the upcoming election. The administration building at the university was named after him last year. "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. Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones. Serafini said Miller didn't seem to like when both parties were at odds, and instead took great pleasure when the two sides could make issues work. Michael Raymond Bailey. Maryland Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr Passes 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. { A backslapping raconteur, Mr. Miller was a singular presence as he ruled the Senate. 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. But even more, he was a cherished friend. Terry L. Miller April 23, 2023 (74 . 1999 Tyser Medallion Award for Outstanding service to the University of Maryland. Obituary. Michael (Mike) Miller-age 62 of Luttrell went home to meet his Savior on Sunday morning, January 1, 2023 at his home. Miller could be a heavyweight political brawler and power broker who knew how to play well to the crowd. Pat Kelly*. 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 is survived by his wife, children, eight siblings and 15 grandchildren. 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. governors scandals overshadowed states progress. . First Name. 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. At a time when "people can't get along and can't decide on anything," Miller made things work, Poole said. Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr Obituary / Death : We mourn with the family of Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr, we understand how disheartening they could be right now, so we are sending our thoughts and prayers to the affected ones. He was also fiercely loyal. There has been no major initiative that has occurred without Mikes leadership. Somebody could walk into my office and say, Why is that picture on your wall? Mr. Miller said in the interview for this obituary. Please enter valid email address to continue. Former Maryland Senate President Mike Miller Dies At Age 78 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. Please, check your inbox! Overcome by the news of former Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller's death Friday, his colleagues, protegees and political opponents took to social media in the hours after his death . Also surviving is his brother-in-law, Marty Loomis, who was a wonderful source of help . Miller, who grew up in Prince Georges County, graduated from Surrattsville High School in Clinton and received his bachelors and law degrees from the University of Maryland. Rev. As it turned out, he served another three decades as Senate president, his influence uninterrupted at the State House while moving trucks pulled up to the governors mansion across the way every four or eight years. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. [10], For other people named Thomas Miller, see, "Md. Larry Hogan, a Republican, reflected on Millers tireless dedication to his state. He was 78. Millers, which was started by his grandfather, remains to this day. 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. 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.". 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. . On this day of his passing, let it be known, Senator Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. spent every single day of his life as a public servant working as hard as possible to ensure others had the ability and means to live a life with purpose, just as he did his. [7], On December 23, 2020, he announced his resignation from the senate, citing health reasons. Even as he waged a hard-fought battle with cancer, I was blessed to continue to benefit from Mikes wisdom and trademark humor. Hogans son, Larry, for whom Mr. Miller babysat, became Maryland governor during the last years of Mr. Millers reign in Annapolis. Obituaries can vary in the amount of information they contain, but many of them are genealogical goldmines, including information such as: names, dates, place of birth and death, marriage information, and family relationships. 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. The Clinton, Maryland, native took office in 1975 representing Prince George's County and became senate president in 1987. ", "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. Service map data OpenStreetMap contributors. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Melvin Steinberg, then the Senates leader, described Mr. Miller as his enforcer and appointed him chairman of the powerful Judiciary Committee. Senator Ben Cardin issued the following statement: "It will take time for me to process that we have really lost Mike Miller. He began covering the State House in 1995 for The Gazette newspapers, and has been writing about state and local politics ever since. 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. 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,. Both Democrats were 25 when they were elected to the House of Delegates on Election Day. As much as anything, he yearned for a return to the political center. 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," Ferguson said. Fort Mill Obituaries | Local Obits for Fort Mill, SC - Legacy.com Hes a good representative of what it used to be like when two sides were able to compromise.. })(); As a result, positive legislation flowed to the [Senate] floor and across the House and with the governors signature, he said. Our History | Mike Miller Law - Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., P.A. We all mourn his passage and celebrate his life together. Most recent obituaries in Toledo, Ohio. Thomas Miller Mortuary Monday, May 1, 2023, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm. He was the master of power and control.. 7 talking about this. 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. The process to fill Thomas V. Mike Miller's vacated seat in the Maryland Senate is reaching a . Feb 21, 2023. Clinton, March 26, 1945 - April 19, 2023 . At Mr. Millers urging, Evans suggested legislative ideas, including a bill allowing victims of domestic abuse to seek compensation. Miller's, a general store that Mr. Miller's father eventually took over. Am I on the wrong side of history? He wanted to spend money that we didnt have to spend. Thomas Vincent Mike Miller Jr. was born Dec. 3, 1942, in Clinton, Md., where his grandfather founded B.K. Although he resided in Calvert County, some will always remember him as a Prince Georgian. Candidates, issues on Valley primary ballots | News, Sports, Jobs - The Rev. Michael (Mike) Miller Obituary 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. Tom grew up in Western New York and moved to Central Florida in the early 90's where he lived with his friend Rick. Sign in with a password below, or sign in using your email. Thomas Vincent Miller Jr. (December 3, 1942 January 15, 2021), known as Mike Miller, was an American politician from Maryland. Gov. He was a member of New Fellowship Full Gospel Church and a loving husband, father and friend. 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. Nonprofit. Nonpartisan. I mean, its these dime bags of PCP. Beth Ann Haury . "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. Privacy Policy and William Michael Stegall March 19, 2023 (52 years . 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. . Mass: St. Dominic Savio Catholic Church Wednesday . Get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers in memory of a loved one in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Maryland State Senator and Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. "Mike" Miller, Jr., passed away in January 2021 at the age of 78. He was a loving husband to his lucky wife, Diane, whom he married on Oct. 23, 1976. . Miller was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1967. An astute observer of state politics, he used his acumen to muscle through bills, but he also could willingly acquiesce to major legislation he opposed. Thomas A Miller Obituary (1947 - 2022) | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Senate President Emeritus Mike Miller was larger than life. Michael Frank Pavuk Jr. April 25, 2023 (81 years old) View obituary. Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., pillar of Maryland's state capital for Thomas Miller went home to be with the Lord in the early hours of September 30th after a courageous battle with cancer. Affleck's Batman and Miller's Flash first crossed paths in 2016's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice . The Mass and service will be livestreamed on the St. John the Evangelist Facebook page. He studied at the University of Maryland, College Park where he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa, and graduated with a B.S. He won his first election to the House of Delegates in 1970 and moved to the Senate four years later. 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 . Nonetheless, some African Americans chafed at what they regarded as Mr. Millers dictatorial control over local politics. 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. . It was nothing more basic than getting reelected, Evans said. Photo by Bruce DePuyt. 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. on: function(evt, cb) { Former Maryland Senate President Miller resigns, citing his health Larry Hogan deliver his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the legislature in Annapolis, Md. 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. The administration building at the university was named after him last year. Most recent obituaries in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Miller's family said he died at home at 4:25 p.m. with his loved ones at his side. 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. In the fall of 2019, he announced that he would step down as president. A Democrat, he was first elected Maryland Senate president in 1987. Your email address will not be published. 8808 Old Branch Avenue, Clinton, MD 20735. 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. Mike would often talk to whoever would listen about how lucky he was to have such a supportive family, and my heart breaks for his wife Patti, his children Tommy, Amanda, Michelle, Melissa, and Melanie, his 15 grandchildren, and his large extended family including those who were related, but also to those of us who were lucky to know him as family. Council - 2nd Ward. } He had a knack for colorful political theater. During a virtual briefing with reporters, he said he hoped he would be remembered for hard work, love the [Chesapeake] Bay, love of education.. At 4:25PM this afternoon, Maryland Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by hisbereft, 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 . So, Senator Miller demonstrating what he had preached so often stepped down to make sure his district could have the best representation possible. 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.. '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. A few hours before the fundraiser, Mr. Miller agreed to an interview with a local television reporter, who asked why he was hosting the affair far from his legislative district. As recently as early December, Miller expressed the hope that he could return to Annapolis for the 2021 session. By Sam Roberts. Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. and Speaker of the House Michael E. Busch at the State of the Judiciary speech in 2005. 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 . From an early age, Mike learned what it meant to serve others when he began working in his grandfather's local market at the age of 10. callback: cb Everybody wants to take credit for MGM, Lawlah said. 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. 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. Miller was a titan of Maryland. He regularly presided over a strong Democratic majority in the chamber in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1. Honestly and truly., Asked who, if anyone, intimidated him over the years in Annapolis, Mr. Miller, without hesitation, said, I was never afraid of anyone.. "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. Miller could be a heavyweight political brawler and power broker who knew how to play well to the crowd. I see the Democrats going further to the left, and the Republicans going further to the right, until something absolutely horrible happens and people realize theyve made a terrible mistake.. Ina 2017 interview, Miller said he was unaware of a move to name the new Senate building in Annapolis after him as it was built and would have objected if given the chance. Today, most importantly, the Millers loss a husband, father, uncle, cousin, grandfather, confidant. It came only from love for the Senate, the State of Maryland, and its people. Former Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller dies He was 78 years old. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Thomas A Miller (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), who passed away on June 1, 2022, at the age of 74, leaving to mourn family and friends. He won his first election to the House of Delegates in 1970 and moved to the Senate four years later. He served as the state Senate president from 1987 until 2019. It gave me huge exposure to people, their issues and their problems.. Gov. He wanted to be with his colleagues serving the people of the 27th District, but the physical burden was too much to bear. 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. A thick-shouldered pragmatist who had no use for ideologues, Mr. Miller led the campaign to legalize casino gambling in Maryland and, despite his centrist views, facilitated the passage of progressive laws including legalization of same-sex marriage and the repeal of the death penalty. If he had your back, you never had to look over your shoulder. I was fortunate to have received his counsel and advice when I became Speaker. Mike passed away in 2021, and is survived by his wife, five children, and 15 grandchildren. Danielle E. Gaines contributed to this report. Buschs successor, Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore County) paid tribute to Miller Friday evening. Myrna and I were privileged to have him in our lives for all these years. I grew up before television. Mr. Miller waved off suggestions he commanded the Senate with a heavy hand, saying he sought to delegate power and promote fellow senators. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. And so when I ran, I treated my constituents like they were my customers, Mr. Miller said in the interview. 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. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at First Christian . See the Print Edition Online Thank you for registering!Please visit My Account to verify and manage your account. 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. My thoughts and prayers are with Patti and his entire family. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Thomas Vincent (Mike) Miller Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store. All of a sudden I saw this curly-haired guy coming around the corner.