Chris F. Miller

The Mohawk Valley lost a long time friend on July 9, 2023, Christian F. Miller, better known as Chris Miller, the voice of the Mohawk Valley. 

“A Family Tradition. - Miller in the Morning -. A Great Way to Start the Day.” 

For all the farmers, school children, people on the way to work, all listeners wanted to know what was happening that day as only Chris could deliver. No one’s birthday was complete without a song from Chris. 

Speaking of a song, does anyone remember the Crystal Chandelier? Fans will also remember Bargain Hunter. Chris could sell any item with his humor.

Many will recall the Dolgeville Lions Club minstrel shows, where the first rows were filled with gray haired ladies waiting for Chris to come on stage. Oftentimes, they didn’t recognize him as he was dressed as a lady. He also performed numerous shows for Little Falls Rotary and Salisbury Center Grange, as well as the Violet Festival and Doo Dah Parades.  He also performed in several plays written by his sister, raising money for cancer, always playing the funny man, of course.

Chris will be mostly remembered for his sense of humor.  If you were in a room with Chris, there was always laughter.  It was in his DNA…he couldn’t not be funny!  His presence at gatherings with family and friends will be greatly missed. He also loved his sports.  He was a lifelong NY Mets fan and long suffering NY Jets fan.

Chris was born June 6, 1935 in Ellicottville, NY. He is predeceased by his parents Erwin and Dora Miller. Chris had a close relationship with his family growing up.  He held those memories close to his heart performing, singing, joking and yearly kazoo, comb & wax paper, and washboard sing alongs.  His children fondly remember camping and him going out on his rowboat at 5:00 a.m., coffee in hand, to go fishing.

Chris graduated from Holland Patent High School on June 22, 1953. He then enlisted in  the Army. He was stationed in Fort Myers, Virginia. First, he was an Honor Guard, meeting dignitaries, presenting colors and presiding at burials in Arlington National Cemetery. From December 10, 1956 to June 30, 1957 he had the proud distinction of being a member of the Old Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

After the service, he started his 40+ year career in broadcasting. He started at Remsen (WREM) and concluded at 97.5 (WHMV) in Mohawk. The majority of his career was spent working at WLFH (Miller in the Morning) in Little Falls, NY. 

On May 25, 1958, he married Patricia Ertle (Church). Their union blessed them with five children: Carolyn Michele Stone, Mark Miller, Michael (Lynne) Miller, Melinda Crane, and Molly (Ronald) Reile. 

Chris married Susan W. Pierce on March 11, 2000. They met each other during the minstrel shows and the rest is history. Chris had a good relationship with his step children, Scott (Becky) Pierce, Shari (Chris) McGill, and Suzanne (Andrew) Burnham. 

Between the two unions, there are seventeen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his sister Lois, brothers Carl, Don and Mark (2 years old), grandson Christopher Bowers, son-in-law Paul Stone.

A thank you to Carolyn (Michele) for being there in the wee hours of the morning. A very special thanks to the staff of Sitrin Mulberry House for their compassionate care of Chris. Thanks to the family for thoughts, prayers, love and support during this long, difficult journey. Donations in Chris’ memory can be sent to the Herkimer County Humane Society or Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Little Falls.

Relatives and friends are invited to a service of Christian Burial with the Rev. Joseph A. Famulare, officiating which will commence at 11 am on Monday, July 31, 2023 from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 512 E. Gansevoort St., Little Falls.  Interment will take place at the convenience of the family.  There are no calling hours.  The family has planned arrangements under the direction and care of the locally owned and operated Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, Little Falls, 315-508-5131.