Date: Fri 20-Jun-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

obit-Miller

Full Text:

Larry Miller, Educator, Politician, Dies at 59

(with photo)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Larry Miller's two-year battle with cancer came to an end Monday night,

finishing the final chapter on a life full of achievement, love and laughter.

Mr Miller, 59, died at his home at 8 Palestine Road. He was born in Meriden on

February 16, 1938, the son of Dorothy Buttner Miller of Meriden and the late

Lawrence R. Miller. He moved to Newtown in 1962.

Mr Miller is survived by his wife, Patricia Hoey Miller, of Newtown; four

children, Kristina Freedman of Brookfield, Lawrence Miller, Jr, of Newtown,

Alexandra Miller of Greenwich and G. Stephen Miller of Whately, Mass.; two

grandchildren, Justin and Adam Freedman of Brookfield; and a sister, Sandra

Dudzinski of Meriden.

The Millers were to have celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary later this

month.

An educator, politician and avid tennis player, the longtime Newtown resident

is remembered fondly for his great intellect, irreverent sense of humor and a

magnetic presence that appealed to all those who knew him. Larry was a friend

to both young and old.

"He was an example for us all. He led a very rich life, which encompassed so

many diverse things," said former first selectman and family friend Zita

McMahon.

Since 1991, Mr Miller was executive director of Cooperative Educational

Services in Trumbull, an educational service center providing various

specialized educational programs for 14 area school districts. Prior to that,

he led the Easton/Redding school system (District 9) as superintendent from

1971-1991. Mr Miller also taught history at Joel Barlow High in Redding for

six years in the 1960s.

He received his master's degree in general education from Fairfield University

and was a doctoral student in school administration at the Teachers College at

Columbia University in New York.

In his early years, Mr Miller sought a career in the priesthood, receiving

both graduate and undergraduate degrees in philosophy, theology and history

from St Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield and St John Seminary in Brighton, Mass.

As an educator, Mr Miller served on various education excellence commissions

and superintendents' boards. He served as president of the Association of

Public School Superintendents at both the state and regional level. He was

also a member of the Regional Youth Substance Abuse Project and served on the

executive committee of the Greater Danbury Substance Abuse Project.

Respected for his views on education, Mr Miller was a lecturer and presenter

at area colleges, national seminars and state workshops. He was also a

consultant, evaluating school systems for a multi-national corporation.

Mr Miller was recognized on numerous occasions for his administrative skills,

including the President's Award given to him in 1988 by the New England

Association of School Superintendents. Since 1985, he was listed in the Who's

Who in the East .

Mr Miller also made countless contributions to his community. He served on the

Legislative Council from 1983 to 1987 and 1991 to 1993, and the Charter

Revision Commission from 1976 to 1978. He was also a one-time member of the

Democratic Town Committee. During the early 1980s, he served the town as a

justice of the peace. His membership in the Newtown Tennis Association spanned

more than three decades.

Those who knew him often spoke of his great command of the English language

and his skillful use of words to make a point, tell a story and to lighten a

mood at every occasion.

"From an educational standpoint and his use of the English language, I would

call Larry Miller a true Renaissance man," said Newtown resident Melissa

Pilchard, who often sat next to him at meetings. "He always kept me laughing."

Other council members say they remember Mr Miller's strong conviction, always

standing up for what he felt was right. They recall his ability to present a

clear picture of education, and his well-informed, expert analysis.

Former District 9 Board of Education Chairman Emily D'Aulaire of Redding said

she knew Mr Miller was special the first day she met him. She was immediately

impressed with the superintendent's ability to lead effectively, while never

taking himself too seriously.

"He always felt you could get just as much done while having a good time as

you could while always being serious," she said.

Mrs McMahon said her longtime friend had a passion for life even while

traveling on what he called the "last bend in the road." She recalled his love

of music, opera, family and children.

"He left a rich tapestry of memories for his family, friends and peers," she

said.

Larry Miller's happiest days were said to be spent at home with family and

friends, and he cherished being outside on hot, sunny days, working in his

garden and building stone walls. In fact, the stone walls can be seen

scattered throughout the Newtown landscape, serving as an ageless memorial to

the life of an extraordinary man.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10:30 am at St Mary's

Church in Bethel. Burial will be in Newtown Village Cemetery. Calling hours

are Thursday, 3 to 5 pm and 7 to 9 pm, at Honan Funeral Home. Contributions

may be made to Regional Hospice at 30 West Street, Danbury.