on: function(evt, cb) { 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. 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 . Millers, which was started by his grandfather, remains to this day. Senator Miller dedicated his life and career to public service, representing his community in the state legislature for more than forty years. In Memoriam. as well as three brothers, five sisters and 15 grandchildren. Also surviving is his brother-in-law, Marty Loomis, who was a wonderful source of help . The cause was complications from prostate cancer, said family spokesman Jake Weissmann. 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. He was 78. Council - 6th Ward. 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. })(); As a result, positive legislation flowed to the [Senate] floor and across the House and with the governors signature, he said. Dont ever suggest another bill! Mr. Miller yelled, according to Evans. Affleck's Batman and Miller's Flash first crossed paths in 2016's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice . (Joshua McKerrow / Baltimore Sun) "His . The Southern Maryland Chronicle(SoMDC) is an all-digital news source for SoMD. The Clinton, Maryland, native took office in 1975 representing Prince George's County and became senate president in 1987. Privacy Policy and He was as kind and generous as he was powerful: a combination that leads to a once-in-a-generation leader and statesman who we can all emulate, Jones said in a statement. 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. Maryland State Senator and Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. "Mike" Miller, Jr., passed away in January 2021 at the age of 78. 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. Photo by Danielle E. Gaines. 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. Miller continued to wield enormous influence for the rest of his tenure as Senate president, serving in tandem with the late speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel), the longest-serving House speaker in Maryland history, from 2003 until Buschs death in 2019. The administration building at the university was named after him last year. Paying the transaction fee is not required, but it directs more money in support of our mission. Received an award in 2019 from the D.C. Chapter of the Society of FORT MILL - William Timothy Sutton II, 29, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at his home in Fort Mill. } Thanks for submitting! Miller announced at the beginning of the 2019 session that he was suffering from stage 4 prostate cancer. State flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day Miller is laid to rest, Hogan said. He was Senate president over the span of five governors, from Democrat William Donald Schaefer to Hogan. Larry Hogan called Miller "a dear lifelong friend. He regularly presided over a strong Democratic majority in the chamber in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1. Current Senate President Bill Ferguson said in a statement Friday that "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. Larry Hogan, a Republican, reflected on Millers tireless dedication to his state. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. Serafini said Miller was always very helpful to him in his work in the Senate. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We proudly serve the African-American community families, neighborhoods, businesses, people of faith and more in the DMV. Terry L. Miller April 23, 2023 (74 . We share their grief and immense sense of loss. 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. 1 Seed in 2023 UEC Championship Tournament, Navy Mens Lacrosse Team Secures No. Thomas Vincent Mike Miller Jr. was born Dec. 3, 1942, in Clinton, Md., where his grandfather founded B.K. } 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. 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. Republicans also treasured Millers friendship and guidance, even as they sparred with him politically. I study history. Get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers in memory of a loved one in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Carie Watson. Mike passed away in 2021, and is survived by his wife, five children, and 15 grandchildren. 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. 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. Bill Clinton, who spoke at the Maryland State House twice during his presidency, met Miller at a legislative conference in the 1980s and later joked that when he realized how big Millers family was, he realized it would be politically beneficial to befriend him ahead of his 1992 White House bid. Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones. Maryland State Archives photo. ANNAPOLIS, Md. 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. Even as he waged a hard-fought battle with cancer, I was blessed to continue to benefit from Mikes wisdom and trademark humor. ANNAPOLIS, 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. He was 78 years old. Miller could be a heavyweight political brawler and power broker who knew how to play well to the crowd. Thomas Miller Mortuary Monday, May 1, 2023, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm. House Speaker Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County) praised Miller for providing advice when she became speaker in 2019. 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.. He stepped down from the leadership position in 2019 . . He was 78 years old. He once declared at a 2006 luncheon with fellow Democrats that they would put Republicans in the ground in the upcoming election. He wanted to be with his colleagues serving the people of the 27th District, but the physical burden was too much to bear. I was fortunate to have received his counsel and advice when I became Speaker. He was a master politician, statesman, avid student of history, mentor and friend. [10], For other people named Thomas Miller, see, "Md. 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.. Melvin Steinberg, then the Senates leader, described Mr. Miller as his enforcer and appointed him chairman of the powerful Judiciary Committee. Gov. His alma mater, the University of Maryland at College Park, in June named its main administration building in his honor. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { It gave me huge exposure to people, their issues and their problems.. Working for Mike was like working in the Mafia you go out feet first, said Gerard Evans, a lobbyist and longtime friend. Millers, a general store that Mr. Millers father eventually took over. Ra'cole Taltoan. If you dont know him, youll think hes the best of buddies. 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. 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 . He was, in every sense, a lion of the Senate, Hogan said. Dr. Colin McCord, a surgeon credited with saving countless lives by championing a draconian ban on smoking in New York City and limits on trans fats in . 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. But Mr. Miller also said he did not regret that the incident may have ended his statewide potential. So, Senator Miller demonstrating what he had preached so often stepped down to make sure his district could have the best representation possible. In 2017, he was widely criticized for opposing the removal from the state capitol grounds of a statue of Roger Taney, the Maryland-born Supreme Court chief justice who supported the 1857 Dred Scott decision that Blacks in free or slave states could not be citizens. But the physical pain became too great, and he announced on Dec. 23 that he would resign from the Senate immediately. 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. Its really time for me to get out of politics, he said in the interview. . [2][9] Miller died at home in Chesapeake Beach from the effects of the disease on January 15, 2021. A lawyer whose district included parts of Prince Georges County near the nations capital brought a big personality to Annapolis. Our lives were intertwined, starting with our days together at the University of Maryland Law School and then serving together in the Maryland General Assembly. 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. 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 was 78. January 15, 2021 / 11:05 PM It was Mike Millers baby. 8808 Old Branch Avenue, Clinton, MD 20735. 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. In Annapolis, Mr. Millers influence was growing. 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). by lewisfuneralhome | Feb 20, 2023 | Obituaries . Sign up to receive our free Daily Digest newsletter, in your inbox each morning. Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Raised in La Habra, California, by Judge Jack Miller and Ann (Miller) Smith, Mike was a natural athlete, starting in baseball, soccer, and NJB as a young child and going on to be a star player for . 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. / CBS Baltimore. 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. A student of history and deeply sentimental, Millers home library was filled with more than 5,000 volumes, sorted by subject and historical era. On Saturday, the family will hold a private Mass and service at their family church St. John the Evangelist in Clinton, followed by a private entombment. By Sam Roberts. Miller held close friendships with politicians in higher office he was close with former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton but preferred his niche in the Senate, mentoring new lawmakers and overseeing the historical artifacts and exhibits in the State House complex. Founding Editor Josh Kurtz is a veteran chronicler of Maryland politics and government. February 14, 1973 - September 9, 2022 Michael "Mike" Miller passed away unexpectedly in a car accident at the age of 49. Thank you for registering!Please visit My Account to verify and manage your account. Tom grew up in Western New York and moved to Central Florida in the early 90's where he lived with his friend Rick. 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. "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. Learn more about how we serve you. 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,. Mass: St. Dominic Savio Catholic Church Wednesday . Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. "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." Fifty percent of the kids that start out in school dont graduate. He retained the gavel, but appeared weak at times though sound of mind. It helps educate my constituents as to why Baltimore needs the economic help, Mr. Miller said. He was 78. More by William J. Ford, Your email address will not be published. Larry Hogan said "Maryland has lost one of its most revered leaders, and I have lost a dear lifelong friend. 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. First published on January 15, 2021 / 11:05 PM. It was nearly impossible to hold a conversation with Miller without escaping a history lesson. degree. [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. Three years later, Mr. Miller hosted a swanky fundraiser in Baltimore, an event that many regarded as his statewide coming-out party. Obituaries give visitation, funeral and memorial details. Miller is survived by his wife, Patti, five children and 15 grandchildren. He was 78. My thoughts are with Patti and the entire family.. SoMDC covers every aspect of the SoMD Region and will continue to grow with the community. 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. James Bernard Constantino. "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 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. 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. Early last year, a portrait of Miller was hung in the Senate chamber, not far from where his new desk was. He concluded this extraordinary period of service as Senate President Emeritus. Miller's, a general store that Mr. Miller's father eventually took over. If he had your back, you never had to look over your shoulder. Two years later, the legislatures ethics panel rebuked Mr. Miller for yelling at two appeals court judges about a pending dispute over redistricting maps. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. (R) ordered that all state flags be flown at half-staff in Millers honor, until the former senators internment. Stepping down from the Senate was one of the most difficult decisions of Mikes life, Ferguson said. By BRIAN WITTE January 15, 2021. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our website. 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. Thomas A Miller Obituary. An account was already registered with this email. I forgive and forget, he said during an interview for this obituary. Sign up to receive our free newsletters, in your inbox each morning. 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. He won his first election to the House of Delegates in 1970 and moved to the Senate four years later. 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. MD 20735. ", "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. U.S. For example, he didnt support same-sex marriage but allowed the bill to come to the Senate floor in 2012. [2], Miller was born in Clinton, Maryland on December 3, 1942, the first of ten siblings,[3] and attended Surrattsville High School. He won his first election to the House of Delegates in 1970 and moved to the Senate four years later. 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. ", Maryland has lost one of its most revered leaders, and I have lost a dear lifelong friend. 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. Council - 2nd Ward. We cover all of Charles, Calvert, and St. Marys Counties; along with the Southern portions of Anne Arundel and Prince Georges County. { Staff writer Erin Cox contributed to this report. 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. 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). GROUNDED IN EXPERIENCE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE. Michael A. Jackson (D), a former Prince Georges County sheriff and the man Miller wanted to succeed him. Sometimes, his unrestrained comments landed him in trouble. Some families choose to hold a visitation before the service, while others may prefer a more low-key or private family . Miller was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1967. Please check your inbox for an authentication link. Mr. Miller graduated from the University of Maryland in 1964 with a bachelors degree in business administration and a law degree in 1967. Council - 5th Ward. 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. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Poole said he last talked to Miller around Dec. 23 and the two had a brief, but nice conversation. Pat Kelly*. As much as anything, he yearned for a return to the political center. I mean, its these dime bags of PCP. He was 78 years old. He thought he could print money in the basement of the State House., Marvin Mandel dies; ex-Md. Danielle E. Gaines contributed to this report. March 26, 1945 - April 19, 2023 . 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. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at First Christian . Thomas was affectionately known by his family and friends as Tom or Tommy. [8], Miller was married; he and his wife lived in Chesapeake Beach and had five children, a son and four daughters. Miller retired last month after more than four decades as a state senator. 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.. . Mike passed away in 2021, and is survived by his wife, five children, and 15 grandchildren. callback: cb The nation's longest-serving Mr. Miller befriended Smalls press consultant, Lawrence J. Hogan Sr., who would become a U.S. congressman and Prince Georges County executive. Miller maintained a collegial presence in the Senate. At Mr. Millers urging, Evans suggested legislative ideas, including a bill allowing victims of domestic abuse to seek compensation. A Democrat, he was first elected Maryland Senate president in 1987. } Stepping down from the Senate was one of the most difficult decisions of Mikes life. 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. When News Matters, It Matters Where You Get Your News. He was a member of New Fellowship Full Gospel Church and a loving husband, father and friend. 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. It came only from love for the Senate, the State of Maryland, and its people.. 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. A Democrat, he was first elected Maryland Senate president in 1987.