Daniel Joseph Miller

Daniel "Danny" Joseph Miller, age 65, a beloved and cherished member of the Sebastian Community, passed away Monday, March 31st, 2025, of natural causes related to AL Amyloidosis.
Born in Buffalo, NY, raised in Silver Creek, NY, Daniel relocated with his family to Winter Park, FL at age 10.
Danny leaves behind a legacy of love and legendary stories, his love lives on in each of us.
He was a devoted son to Harold and Dodi Miller, who preceded him in death. Danny was a beloved brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, nephew, godson and dear friend to all who will forever cherish his memory.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Therese Fenton Miller, son Joseph Fenton Miller (Amber DeRoache), daughter Ashley Britt Fenton Miller Chelberg (Erik Chelberg), brother Harold Miller, and sisters Kathleen Clark (Ian Clark), Suzanne Bell (Tom Bell), Dianne Miller, and Dolores Miller Classon, and aunt/Godmother Gloria Corsoro as well as cousins and friends.
Danny was lovingly referred to as "Papa Bear" by his grandchildren; Camilla, James, Xavier, Cyrus, and Jack. Uncle Danny will be dearly missed by Maria, Jessica, Alessandra, Courtney, Hannah, William, Harrison, Masen, Grant, and Ella. Great Uncle Danny will continue to be adored by Kai, Sequoia, Billie, Cypress, Adriel, Rhodes, and Olivia.
Danny grew up in Winter Park, attended Saint Margaret Mary Catholic School, and Winter Park High School. He went on to further his education, attending FTU (later to become UCF) as a Computer Science Major. He began a one-year workout program to prepare a tryout to join UCF's first college football team. One year later, weighing in at 260 lbs., bench pressing 550 lbs., "Killer Miller joined Bronco Bob" to play football for UCF Knights. He was a charter member of the UCF football team, personally recruited by the head coach.
Dan met his wife while at UCF, and later moved to Cocoa Beach to surf, and to start their family. Soon after, they moved to Marblehead, MA to begin the next chapter of his life as a master tile artisan and to surf the Northeast swells. He and his family returned to Florida to share quality time with family and searching for surf in Melbourne Beach.
He began work at the Kennedy Space Center to then start his own business building swimming pools, waterfalls and creating outdoor living spaces. Alongside his outdoor work, he continued his martial arts to earn a third-degree black belt and became Sensei Dan, (teacher and instructor, signifying a respected mentor who imparts knowledge, wisdom, and discipline to students). He shared his vast knowledge with all who entered his Karate Workshop. His family fitness center transformed the lives of families, and they continue to live by his teachings today. Through the years people joined Sensei Dan as he guided them through training, awareness, motivation, and accomplishments.
There are many stories that followed Dan throughout his journey. His daughter would describe him as somebody who was unique and completely unforgettable. Not everyone can say they raised emus in Melbourne Beach and that was the beginning of the many unforgettable things that made Daniel who he was. Daniel Miller, also known as Sensei Dan, landed in the South Melbourne beaches to surf The Inlet when the wave still broke there in 1990. Originally living on the east side of A1A, he made it to the best neighborhood, Floridana Beach. He and his wife Therese raised two children, Joseph and Ashley, in paradise. He was a man whose laugh filled the room and whose kindness knows no bounds. He passed away with a disease as rare as he was. He was a local treasure known for his wild stories - most of them true, martial arts, quick wit, and the way he made everyone feel like an old friend. Dan was a beacon of light for the community uniting families.
When Dan and Therese became empty nesters, they made their way to Sebastian where he started the Combat Zone and where they could enjoy better food compared to the south beaches. Whether you just met him or knew him a lifetime, Dan left you smiling. He was the kind of person who could make you laugh through tears, share a plate of food that he ate most of, and tell a tale so crazy you swore you lived it with him. He didn't just live life, he made it every bit as interesting as he was. Daniel was joy personified.
It's hard to fill a short story about our brother, a man who filled so many hearts and lived so many chapters. With deep gratitude for the love and special moments shared with this beautiful man we call brother; we are forever grateful. Our brother was a man of God, strength, and honor with a heart of gold. He loved open-heartedly. His love lives on in each of us.
"My dad was the hardest working man, and I will always look up to him. He always put others first, no matter what his situation was. He was such an inspiration."
"I will always remember my Uncle Danny as this happy fun-loving guy (Daniel – FUN GUY) who was always so full of life no matter the circumstances. On a more personal note, his unwavering support of me throughout my entire life will never be forgotten."
"It was impossible to be sad around Uncle Danny. Between his high–energy stories and the consistent grin, he always seemed to know how to get a laugh or a smile out of anyone. He always lit up any room he was in. He undoubtedly supported me by showing up to my volleyball games and my academic milestones as my biggest cheerleader. Uncle Danny's presence was a privilege, and his disposition was the epitome of unconditional love and kindness."
"Uncle Danny's strength made me feel safe; tough on the outside, and with a gentle heart that loved unconditionally. Whether it was a simple "Merry Christmas" or "Hope you're doing well kid", you could always count on him to let you know he was thinking of you. He meant something different to each of us, and we will miss him in our own ways. One memory I cherish; when I was little, he'd flex his arm and let me hang from it like a human jungle gym. I was sure he was Superman. We will continue to love, as he has shown us."