About
John Miller Obituary
Born on February 4, 1955, in Utica, New York, John grew up with a strong sense of purpose and a deep commitment to helping others. He attended John F. Kennedy High School in Utica, New York, and later pursued studies in social services at Princeton University.
John's professional life was marked by hard work and compassion. He held a variety of full-time and part-time positions throughout his career, but his most enduring contributions came through his work in substance abuse counseling. He served within the New York state hospital system and at the Rescue Mission in Utica, where he made a meaningful difference in the lives of many individuals struggling with addiction. Later in life, he found joy working at the beach club at Bonita Bay in Florida, a role that allowed him to combine his love for people with the serenity of the ocean.
Despite often juggling multiple jobs simultaneously throughout his life, John made time to enjoy the things he loved most. A Yankees fan with a sharp sense of humor, he enjoyed playing cards with family members and watching sitcoms that brought laughter into his home. He had a keen interest in politics and never missed an opportunity to engage in spirited discussions. Known for playfully driving his sisters crazy over the years-a badge he wore with pride-John's mischievous charm was matched only by his affection for Harley Davidson motorcycles. He delighted in visiting showrooms and browsing websites dedicated to bikes that captured his imagination.
John is lovingly remembered by Jodi Miller; his sisters, Norene (Mona) Lincoln, M. Judi Martin, and Laura (Brendon) Holt. His children and step-children: John Miller III, Joseph Miller, Ashley Hernandez, Jessica Leo, Anthony Leo, Nicole Leo, and Sarah Leo. Niece and nephews: Lynda Hopsicker, Scott Lincoln, Brendon Holt Jr., and Robert Holt, as well as many beloved cousins and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, John Ira Miller Sr. and Mary Helfert Miller, his brother-in-law, Robert L. Lincoln Sr., and his nephew, Robert L. Lincoln Jr.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Rescue Mission of Utica-a place close to John's heart where he volunteered for several years at the Sobering Up Station.
John's legacy lives on through those whose lives he touched with kindness and humor. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jodi Miller
August 24, 2025
One week ago John quietly passed on to another world. There was no noise, no sound, just total silence.
It is said" they fought a courageous battle". There is nothing courageous about it. Cancer is demeaning, debilitating and just plain ugly.
When speech left you, you held on to my hand and never let go. Forty-one years, the good, the bad and the indifferent. Always hand in hand. Even today I can still feel your hand in mine.
Those of us who were here for your quiet passing are honored to have been with you on your final journey.
So "my mountain man", rest, you´ve earned it. Joe and I will continue for you.
Joe and I would like to personally thank Heather and Christine from hospice for staying by our side during one of the worst times anyone could endure. You two brought not only medical knowledge, but total compassion to us. Your devotion to us will never be forgotten.
Samantha paulson
August 24, 2025
To my papa I always remember going to the beach where you would work and getting chips and getting to see you you were a man of very few words but very caring and courageous you loved your Harley´s and you loved your pool table and loved spending time with family I remember when you tried to teach me to play pool when I was younger i always think of that time when I´m at the bar playing pool and I smile I wish I got to come and see you when your were coherent but I´m very thankful you let me come see you and you held on a little longer for me to come say my goodbyes I´m always going to love and miss you with all my heart you were my papa and always will be Christmas and thanksgiving isn´t going to be the same without you. I´m going to miss your jokes and watching you play pitch with my mom and dad and grandma I´m going to miss seeing you in the living room sitting in your chair watching tv and most definitely am going to miss talking with you or just sitting outside with you during the summer when I come up. I love you papa I hope your finally at peace and watching over us all I hope we all make you proud aswell till next time save me a seat one day I´ll tell you all about how everything is till we meet again.
Savannah Miller
August 22, 2025
Dear grandpa, I miss you dearly. I remember when you´d take me to work and we´d crack jokes and talk about "donations" which is the tips I got from subway and your Uber tips. I would always catch you playing games and looking at motorcycles. My life was truly blessed to get to call you my grandfather. I wish you could´ve gotten to see me graduate and go to college but i know even as I do, you´ll be watching and cheering for me right by my side. You are a great man so sarcastic and funny I look up to you, even in times of desperation you never gave up. I aspired to have the same drive you had, I hope you can be next to me in spirit as I try my best to make you proud. You truly were one of the best men I had in my life and no one will ever come close to the place you had in my heart. I miss you and love you every day!
Sue McBirney
August 19, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. He will be your guardian angel from heaven watching over all of you. Prayers and hugs coming your way.
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Karen Woods
August 19, 2025
John my friend from White Tower downtown! We had lots of good times .you and Jodi would come to our house and play cards ! RIP OFF THE
Sarah
August 19, 2025
To the best father in the world I love u dad and I miss u every day thank u for many years of happiness and joy thank u for always being there when I needed u I will forever have many memories of you in loving memory of John oh and thank u for being the grandfather my kids needed forever and always in our hearts and minds
Ashley Hernandez
August 19, 2025
My heart is shattered with you gone. I was such a daddy's girl growing up always by his side and as a teen I didn't make things easy on him but he did his very best to be present for me especially after the divorce. As an adult there were ups and downs but he did his best and helped me through the tough times. My last good memory of him was the last week (beginning of May) I visited him before I moved to Maryland. I was having panic attacks during the drive back home to Miami. I was struggling to drive back making multiple stops. knowing how sick he was he was willing to drive to me and check up on me and bring me back to Bonita, I will never ever forget his last selfless dad deed!. Dad, I'm going to miss you so very much but I'm at peace that you're no longer suffering and you're up in heaven with your parents having all the cigarettes you want . May you R.I.P, love your daughter. I look forward to seeing you again in heaven!.
Frederick Merry
August 19, 2025
Oh John. I´m sad to hear of your passing. My prayers go out to your family and friends. The world was a better place with you in
Nicole
August 19, 2025
John, thank you! Thank you, just isn't the biggest word to use, however will work. On behalf of the older 4, it was an honor to have you in our life. You gave us structure, a beautiful home, everything we wanted and more. Whenever, any of us needed you, YOU WERE THERE. Together we laughed, cried and broke balls but in the end, we remained close. You were at my bedside several times, and I am sorry to have to say, I was at yours. I can only hold on to the hope, that you are up in heaven with your mom and dad, having the GREATEST times ever. You will be missed, old man river. Until we meet again, see ya on the flip side.
Mary Ann L. Rubyor
August 19, 2025
Many memories , sorry for the loss of this wonderful man. Thoughts and prayers for all.
Shirley Blair
August 18, 2025
My Condolences to the family. I really wish I would´ve gotten to meet you . I pray we meet in Heaven
Mary
August 18, 2025
My deepest thoughts and condolences go to his family Mona,júdy,and Laurie. Tó Jodie his wife his children John,Joey,Ashley,Sarah Leo,Nicole Leo,Jessica Leo, plus his oldest son who is John from earlier relationship. All grandkids other family. He was a a strong minded person. He had a great sense of humor.was a caring worker gave his time to help when asked
I will remember him with a smile and love goodbye John rest in peace .
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