[2][9] Miller died at home in Chesapeake Beach from the effects of the disease on January 15, 2021. Sign up to receive our free newsletters, in your inbox each morning. / CBS Baltimore. Michael V. Miller Obituaries. If you have any questions, please email editor Danielle Gaines at [emailprotected]. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Calvert Health Cancer Foundation, the Dunkirk Fire Department, the Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. Center for Leadership at the College of Southern Maryland or the Thomas V. Mike Miller Education Fund to support youth environmental education and career programs through the Chesapeake Bay Trust. It was nearly impossible to hold a conversation with Miller without escaping a history lesson. 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. More by William J. Ford, Your email address will not be published. Miller resigns from Maryland Senate, ending an historic era For 6 1/2 years Kurtz wrote a weekly column on state politics for Center Maryland and has written for several other Maryland publications as well. My thoughts and prayers are with Patti and his entire family. 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. [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. 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. Linda Lamone, Marylands long-serving elections director, announces retirement, I took actions while Trump did nothing: Hogan reflects on Jan. 6, the 2024 election and more, Vogel, Long first Gen Zers elected to Maryland General Assembly, Debt ceiling fight leads Van Hollen, Democrats to revive proposal to eliminate spending limit, Commentary: Montgomery County declared a Climate Emergency. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Miller was a major force in Maryland politics and the state's longest-serving Senate president. Miller maintained a collegial presence in the Senate. Melvin Steinberg, then the Senates leader, described Mr. Miller as his enforcer and appointed him chairman of the powerful Judiciary Committee. 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. Both Democrats were 25 when they were elected to the House of Delegates on Election Day. event : evt, Maryland Obituaries Archives Online | Obits Archive So, Senator Miller demonstrating what he had preached so often stepped down to make sure his district could have the best representation possible. 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. Sign in with a password below, or sign in using your email. (WJZ) -- Thomas V. "Mike" Miller, Jr., the former President of the Maryland Senate, died Friday afternoon, his family said. He once declared at a 2006 luncheon with fellow Democrats that they would put Republicans in the ground in the upcoming election. 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). Terry L. Miller April 23, 2023 (74 . To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Thomas Vincent (Mike) Miller Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store. Fort Mill Obituaries | Local Obits for Fort Mill, SC - Legacy.com [citation needed], The Main Administration Building at his alma mater, the University of Maryland, College Park, was named after him on June 29, 2020. (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. He never took his eye off of it.. May his memory be a blessing. The cause was complications from prostate cancer, said family spokesman Jake Weissmann. Your email address will not be published. Republicans also treasured Millers friendship and guidance, even as they sparred with him politically. 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. His alma mater, the University of Maryland at College Park, in June named its main administration building in his honor. His constituents are looking at him [in] an ambulance being carted off, Miller recalled. 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. March 26, 1945 - April 19, 2023 . 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. Even as he waged a hard-fought battle with cancer, I was blessed to continue to benefit from Mikes wisdom and trademark humor. He was 78 years old. 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. 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.. In 1989, as he was emerging as a statewide political force, he used a profanity to describe Baltimore, a blunder that quashed whatever hope had to run for governor. })(); As a result, positive legislation flowed to the [Senate] floor and across the House and with the governors signature, he said. Filter Obituaries Filter . Michael Miller Obituary (1973 - 2022) - Laguna Hills, CA - Orange 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. ", Gov. 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. (WJZ) -- Thomas V. "Mike" Miller, Jr., the former President of the Maryland Senate, died Friday afternoon, his family said. } He retained the gavel, but appeared weak at times though sound of mind. For example, he didnt support same-sex marriage but allowed the bill to come to the Senate floor in 2012. Find Obituaries & Funeral Services | Dignity Memorial As much as anything, he yearned for a return to the political center. 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. He won his first election to the House of Delegates in 1970 and moved to the Senate four years later. 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. He regularly presided over a strong Democratic majority in the chamber in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1. Miller was first elected to the House of Delegates in 1970 and then to the Senate in 1974. 'The Flash' Trailer: Ezra Miller Stars With Michael Keaton's Batman He was 78 years old. 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. The nation's longest-serving He has stated that he intended to serve out the remainder of his term in the state Senate. } 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. 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. Our hearts go out to his family -- we offer our deepest condolences. Mr. Miller cited the incident as his sole political regret. Founding Editor Josh Kurtz is a veteran chronicler of Maryland politics and government. I study history. In the fall of 2019, he announced that he would step down as president. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Sign up to receive our free Daily Digest newsletter, in your inbox each morning. 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. Tom was best known for his . Process to replace Miller underway (copy) | Local News | somdnews.com My aunts and uncles for Christmas and birthdays would give me books and I would read and study. [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. Thomas V. Miller Jr., known to most as Mike Miller, dedicated his life to the people of Maryland. 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. But he will stab you in the back., Mr. Miller, when asked about Broadwaters description, replied: Thats not a bad analysis.. 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. 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. (Joshua McKerrow / Baltimore Sun) "His . He was 78. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. (R) ordered that all state flags be flown at half-staff in Millers honor, until the former senators internment. 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. 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. Larry Hogan said "Maryland has lost one of its most revered leaders, and I have lost a dear lifelong friend. At 4:25PM this afternoon, Maryland Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones. 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 see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics. 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. The Southern Maryland Chronicle(SoMDC) is an all-digital news source for SoMD. ); governors scandals overshadowed states progress. He regularly presided over a strong Democratic majority in the chamber in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1. He was the longest-serving President of the Maryland Senate, and was for a period the longest . 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. 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. 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 . Miller announced his resignation in late December, citing failing health as the cause for not completing his term. Service map data OpenStreetMap contributors. Maryland voters went on to approve the constitutional amendment allowing casinos in 2008, as well as an expansion four years later to add table games and what would become MGM National Harbor near the nations capital. 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. Even as he waged a hard-fought battle with cancer, I was blessed to continue to benefit from Mikes wisdom and trademark humor. At Mr. Millers urging, Evans suggested legislative ideas, including a bill allowing victims of domestic abuse to seek compensation. Somebody could walk into my office and say, Why is that picture on your wall? Mr. Miller said in the interview for this obituary. As the longest-serving state senate leader in Maryland and US history, my friend Mike Miller had an amazing ability to get things done, Clinton said in a tweet on Friday night. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google { U.S. Mike Miller Law will be in touch soon. Pat Kelly*. 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. Blair Lee IV, then Montgomery Countys chief lobbyist, learned the consequence of opposing legislation Mr. Miller supported one day as he walked along a State House corridor. 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. 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. 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. Miller announced at the beginning of the 2019 session that he was suffering from stage 4 prostate cancer. 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. It passed by 100,000 votes. Thomas Vincent Mike Miller Jr. was born Dec. 3, 1942, in Clinton, Md., where his grandfather founded B.K. Learn more about how we serve you. He stepped down from the leadership position in 2019 as he battled Stage 4 prostate cancer and resigned from his Senate seat in December. At the intersection of Old Branch Avenue and Woodyard Road, the store was a center of Prince Georges life, a few yards from the church where the Miller family attended services and down the street from the modest brick building where Mr. Miller eventually opened a law office. 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 the oldest of 10 children, Mr. Miller navigated family squabbles often instigated by his volatile father and developed skills that helped him later maneuver in Annapolis. Gov. We cover all of Charles, Calvert, and St. Marys Counties; along with the Southern portions of Anne Arundel and Prince Georges County. Maryland voters went on to approve the constitutional amendment allowing casinos in 2008, as well as an expansion four years later to add table games and what would become MGM National Harbor near the nations capital. He became Senate president at the beginning of 1987, a post he held until the fall of 2019 serving alongside six governors and four House speakers, fighting with some more than others. He announced his prostate cancer diagnosis on the Senate floor in early 2019. 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. For example, he didnt support same-sex marriage but allowed the bill to come to the Senate floor in 2012. 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 won his first election to the House of Delegates in 1970 and moved to the Senate four years later. He was 78 years old. Over the years, he developed close relationships with thousands on both sides of the aisle, whether they were low-level staffers or any of the six governors that came and went in his time. 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. He was 78. A lawyer whose district included parts of Prince Georges County near the nations capital brought a big personality to Annapolis. Michael V. Miller | News, Sports, Jobs - Times Observer ANNAPOLIS, Md. Michael Jackson, a former delegate who was appointed by Gov. It came only from love for the Senate, the State of Maryland, and its people. 8000 Woodyard Rd, We've recently sent you an authentication link. 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. Most recent obituaries in Fort Mill, South Carolina. View obituary. Show your love for Southern Maryland by powering authoritative, in-depth reporting about your community, and keeping access free for neighbors who need it. Fifty percent of the kids that start out in school dont graduate. He wanted to spend money that we didnt have to spend. ANNAPOLIS, Md. Mike passed away in 2021, and is survived by his wife, five children, and 15 grandchildren. Through the Miller Center and the lives he touched, his . 7 talking about this. Myrna and I were privileged to have him in our lives for all these 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. Miller maintained a collegial presence in the Senate. News you can trust. The process to fill Thomas V. Mike Miller's vacated seat in the Maryland Senate is reaching a . This may have seemed like a small sacrifice to the outside world, but anybody who knew Mike knew the decision did not come easy. A Democrat, he was first elected Maryland Senate president in 1987. 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. Thomas Vincent Miller Jr. (December 3, 1942 - January 15, 2021), known as Mike Miller, was an American politician from Maryland.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. Also surviving is his brother-in-law, Marty Loomis, who was a wonderful source of help . 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. Terms of Service apply. 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, Sen. Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City), the man who succeeded Miller as Senate president in 2019, said in a statement. 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.. He sees me and puts both hands on my lapels and backed me against the wall, Lee once told The Post. Thanks for submitting! At a time when "people can't get along and can't decide on anything," Miller made things work, Poole said. Gov. 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 . 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. Whatever happens, Mr. Miller said, it would no longer be his problem. But the physical pain became too great, and he announced on Dec. 23 that he would resign from the Senate immediately.