Dean H. Miller

Dean H Miller died Wednesday December 10, 2025 at home in New Orleans cared for and comforted by his wife of 54 years, AnnMarie, daughter Christa, and grandchildren Caitlin, Elijah, and Nat Tabb.

Dean was born in Green Springs, Ohio. After his graduation from the Curtis Institute of Music, he won a Fulbright Scholarship to study at the Vienna Academy where he earned an Artist Diploma with highest honors. He performed at the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleta, Italy.

His teachers include William Kincaid, Robert Willoughby, and Hans Reznicek. Dean taught at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

Dean performed with the Quebec Symphony and the Minneapolis Orchestra before coming to the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra as principle flutist for 40 years. Dean was one of the founders of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in 1991 and continued as principal flutist until he retired in 2009. He held the Mary Freeman Wisdom Principal Flute Chair.

Listening to operas when he wasn't practicing was a favorite pastime. Operas by Mozart and Strauss were his favorites. He listened while he painted the outside of his first house, installed insulation under that house, and while he painted the inside of his present house (walls, woodwork, ceilings and all). He enjoyed trying new recipes from Gourmet and Bon Apetit magazines and cookbooks and preparing favorites for family and friends. He collected and raised Staghorn ferns.

His flute was always within reach. He practiced everyday even when visiting family in Ohio.

Above all Dean was a kind gentle person always ready to help.

Dean and AnnMarie have three daughters: Christa, Catherine, and Angela (Mike); nine grandchildren: Caitlin, Elijah, and Nat Tabb; Lucas, Abigail, Sean and Ethan Cullen, Andrew, and Max Cirami.