Mike Miller

There is a lot to be said about the life and love of Mike Miller, affectionately called "Homer" by his wife Deb, because realistically, if you holler Mike in a store 5 guys will answer you. 

Mike is survived by his wife Deb and children Aaron and wife Julie, grandson Hank. Catherine, grandson Caiden, granddaughter Sage, Chaela and her partner Avery, granddaughter Lily and grandson Henry. Nica and husband Drew, grandson Harper. Sons Liam and Aonghus (dec).   Parents Chris (DEC) and Charlotte Miller, in laws Gary (DEC) and Antoinette Ames, brother-in-law Wade and wife Anna Ames and nephew Nico and niece Alia. He loved his family infinitely.

He was born on December 10th, 1967 to Charlotte and Chris miller of Nazareth PA. He attended Nazareth school's K through 12. He played football and wrestled in high school. He enjoyed working out and worked under Luke Schoenenberger's guidance at Cliff Bonney's farm in Bushkill Township. He had many, many fun memories of his time there. He tried college, but it was not for him. He did enjoy woodsman competitions at Unity College while he was there. He wanted to be a mountain man, ala Jerimiah Johnson, when he grew up. 

He had a well decorated career as a police officer and made many lifelong friends in the departments he worked;  Emmaus, Lehigh County and Coopersburg. He had a long and varied athletic career while operating Nazareth Barbell from 2001 to 2011.  After leaving the speed shop, Spring Street Performance, he began working for Essroc, then Lehigh Hamsen and AshGrove Cement at a Quarry Supervisor.  He loved the challenge, but the corporate culture, not so much.

http://www.criticalbench.com/Mike-Miller.htm

Mike was the 1st man to squat 1200 pounds as a member of The Metal Militia, competed internationally in strong man events, wrestled some dark matches as "Rage" for a national pro wrestling organization. He appeared as Lex Lethal in the movie The Wrestler.  He turned down a roll in The Black Swan because he didn't want to be away from his wife and kids again.  He became skilled at Catch as Catch Can wrestling and BJJ. What he loved most was teaching kids how to be strong and excel at their chosen sports.

He is known for his immense presence and huge generous heart and his epic Scottish affinity for storytelling.

He felt things very deeply, the good and the bad. He was his own worst critic. He missed our son Aonghus immensely, since his passing last fall. His huge heart and protective nature could not quite grasp this new life without him. 

 All at once he was your biggest supporter, guide, problem solver, shoulder to cry on and friend. He always wanted to make things better. If he could fix them he would do so, so that they lasted forever.

 He had an unquenchable thirst for learning new things and mastering them. He was a skilled woodworker and mechanic.  He had many hobbies over the years, hunting, fishing lasted the longest. He also enjoyed his motorcycles, trucks, shooting, archery and so many other things that are piled up in the garage. He was a wonderful dancer and wanted to learn Texas line dancing this fall.  We had so many things planned. 

His commanding energy and larger than life persona made him a target of the weak, who were easily intimidated by him just being him. He had a kind and generous, sensitive heart that made him vulnerable to the ways of the world that only saw his exterior. He, his smile, his laugh, his hugs, his stories and so much more are sorely missed by all of us who love him so dearly.

Online condolences may be offered at www.ruggierofuneralhome.com.