In his illustrious 33-year tenure as Senate President, Mike masterfully facilitated compromise and championed a progressive agenda for the State of Maryland. He was a loving husband to his lucky wife, Diane, whom he married on Oct. 23, 1976. . 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. 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. It was Mike Millers baby. The nation's longest-serving 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. He was the longest-serving President of the Maryland Senate, and was for a period the longest . 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. The store, B.K. Thanks for submitting! Both Democrats were 25 when they were elected to the House of Delegates on Election Day. 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. 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. In 1986, as Schaefer became governor, the states 47 senators elected Mr. Miller Steinbergs successor. I [lost] a teammate and mentor who trusted me to succeed him, he tweeted. 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. Republicans also treasured Millers friendship and guidance, even as they sparred with him politically. March 26, 1945 - April 19, 2023 . 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. Get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers in memory of a loved one in Toledo, Ohio. He had a knack for colorful political theater. He was 78 years old. This may have seemed like a small sacrifice to the outside world, but anybody who knew Mike knew the decision did not come easy. I mean, its these dime bags of PCP. (WJZ) -- Thomas V. "Mike" Miller, Jr., the former President of the Maryland Senate, died Friday afternoon, his family said. 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. Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application. Larry Hogan, a Republican, reflected on Millers tireless dedication to his state. That eagerness to serve fueled his historic legal and political career centered on creating a better Maryland for its people. 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. Miller maintained a collegial presence in the Senate. Last Name. 1 Seed in 2023 UEC Championship Tournament, Navy Mens Lacrosse Team Secures No. On behalf of our members, we offer our most sincere condolences and prayers to MikeMillers family, friends and loved ones, Senate Minority Leader Bryan W. Simonaire (R-Anne Arundel) said Friday night. Even as he waged a hard-fought battle with cancer, I was blessed to continue to benefit from Mikes wisdom and trademark humor. As an intern in Mr. Millers office in 1977, Evans learned that his boss could be unreasonably demanding. A devout Catholic with moderate views, Miller challenged his Democratic colleagues on approving same-sex marriage and the death penalty. Its worse than inner-city Washington, D.C. All of a sudden I saw this curly-haired guy coming around the corner. Danielle E. Gaines contributed to this report. Both Michael Keaton 's and Ben Affleck 's Caped Crusader will appear in the movie. Search Obituaries. event : evt, [10], For other people named Thomas Miller, see, "Md. FILE - In this Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019 file photo, Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller speaks with members of the news media after listening to Gov. Pat Kelly*. U.S. Janet Tarpley. Thomas Vincent Mike Miller Jr. was born Dec. 3, 1942, in Clinton, Md., where his grandfather founded B.K. 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. Filter Obituaries Filter . So, Senator Miller demonstrating what he had preached so often stepped down to make sure his district could have the best representation possible. He was 78. Of all the governors who presided during his reign, Mr. Miller said his favorite was Marvin Mandel (D) because he knew how to build support for legislation and would reward you for working with him. The worst governor, he said, was Schaefer, because he didnt understand governance. Mike passed away in 2021, and is survived by his wife, five children, and 15 grandchildren. Nonetheless, some African Americans chafed at what they regarded as Mr. Millers dictatorial control over local politics. 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. We cover all of Charles, Calvert, and St. Marys Counties; along with the Southern portions of Anne Arundel and Prince Georges County. He . Am I on the wrong side of history? ", Maryland has lost one of its most revered leaders, and I have lost a dear lifelong friend. He also faced scrutiny from federal prosecutors investigating contributions to a campaign fund he oversaw. 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. Required fields are marked *. } Expand. 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 backslapping raconteur, Mr. Miller was a singular presence as he ruled the Senate. A lawyer whose district included parts of Prince Georges County near the nations capital brought a big personality to Annapolis. Miller maintained a collegial presence in the Senate. He regularly presided over a strong Democratic majority in the chamber in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1. "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." Senator Ben Cardin issued the following statement: "It will take time for me to process that we have really lost Mike Miller. Miller retired last month after more than four decades as a state senator. It was nothing more basic than getting reelected, Evans said. Search. 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. 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. Our hearts ache for Patti and his family at this immensely difficult time. Thomas Vincent Mike Miller Jr. was born Dec. 3, 1942, in Clinton, Md., where his grandfather founded B.K. He also had a rendering of the trial of Mary Surratt, a Clinton native and a co-conspirator in President Abraham Lincolns assassination. Show your love for Southern Maryland by powering authoritative, in-depth reporting about your community, and keeping access free for neighbors who need it. Miller died Friday afternoon at the age of 78. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. (function() { 03/11/1955 - 03/30/2023 James B. Constantino, 68, of Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, passed away after a long illness on March 30, 2023. He was 78. 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. 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. "An icon is the best way I can ever describe him," said former Washington County state Senator Andrew Serafini. Miller could be a heavyweight political brawler and power broker who knew how to play well to the crowd. We've recently sent you an authentication link. ", "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. 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 . 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. Mr. Miller befriended Smalls press consultant, Lawrence J. Hogan Sr., who would become a U.S. congressman and Prince Georges County executive. It passed by 100,000 votes. in business administration in 1964. [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. 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.. } As the Senates leader, Mr. Miller was unafraid to lacerate rivals, accusing Gov. ANNAPOLIS, Md. 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. 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. 2023 www.heraldmailmedia.com. Working for Mike was like working in the Mafia you go out feet first, said Gerard Evans, a lobbyist and longtime friend. Mr. Miller waved off suggestions he commanded the Senate with a heavy hand, saying he sought to delegate power and promote fellow senators. 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. 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.. Miller resigns from Maryland Senate, ending an historic era Today, most importantly, the Millers loss a husband, father, uncle, cousin, grandfather, confidant. His family said in a statement that Miller died peacefully at home at 4:25 p.m., surrounded by loved ones. ANNAPOLIS, Md. 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. Beth Ann Haury . He concluded this extraordinary period of service as Senate President Emeritus. 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. Gov. 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 was a major force in Maryland politics and the state's longest-serving Senate president. 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. He was, in every sense, a lion of the Senate. By BRIAN WITTE January 15, 2021. He sees me and puts both hands on my lapels and backed me against the wall, Lee once told The Post. Thomas Vincent (Mike) Miller Jr. Obituary 2021 - Lee Funeral Homes Two years later, the legislatures ethics panel rebuked Mr. Miller for yelling at two appeals court judges about a pending dispute over redistricting maps. "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. 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. ); {"requests":{"event":"https:\/\/southernmarylandchronicle.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/newspack-popups\/includes\/..\/api\/campaigns\/index.php"},"triggers":{"trackPageview":{"on":"visible","request":"event","visibilitySpec":{"selector":"#c37d","visiblePercentageMin":50,"totalTimeMin":250,"continuousTimeMin":100},"extraUrlParams":{"popup_id":"id_260390","cid":"CLIENT_ID(newspack-cid)"}}}} Rev. Obituaries give visitation, funeral and memorial details. budget-writing and lawmaking, dies at 90, Forum highlights discrimination and appraisal bias in housing, Revived push for Equal Rights Amendment blocked by U.S. Senate Republicans. Even as he waged a hard-fought battle with cancer, I was blessed to continue to benefit from Mikes wisdom and trademark humor. 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 . 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. Michael V. Miller Mike was a wonderful guy. For example, he didnt support same-sex marriage but allowed the bill to come to the Senate floor in 2012. Senate President Mike Miller's Health Following Cancer Diagnosis 'Largely Good', Maryland State Senate President Mike Miller Has Prostate Cancer. The administration building at the university was named after him last year. An account was already registered with this email. So, Senator Miller demonstrating what he had preached so often stepped down to make sure his district could have the best representation possible.
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