John M. Miller Jr.

John Michael Miller, Jr., known affectionately as John, or sometimes Johnny-boy, to his friends and loved ones, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, in Long Branch, New Jersey, at the age of 69. Born on September 27, 1956, in New York, NY, John was the cherished son of John Miller and Florence Miller (Evers). His life was a testament to the values of dedication, love, and humor.

John's formative years were spent in the vibrant streets of Innwood, New York, where he attended St. Helena's Business School in the Bronx, demonstrating early on his aptitude for leadership and his commitment to serving his community. In 1982, John entered the field of law enforcement, graduating from the Police Academy for the New York City Transit Police Department. His sense of duty was unwavering, and in February 1983, he began training at the Port Authority Police Academy. Upon graduating in June of that year, John embarked on a distinguished career with the Port Authority Police Department, where he served with honor and distinction until an on-the-job injury in 1995 led to his early retirement.

John's life was marked by his deep devotion to his family. He was a loving husband to his late wife, Joanne Miller, who he cared for until her passing in November of 2025. They shared 47 years of marriage, and loved each other deeply. He was a proud father to his two sons, John M. Miller, III, and Patrick Miller, instilling in them the values of kindness and resilience. John was also a beloved brother to Vincent, Thomas, Robert, and Richard Miller, each of whom he shared a bond of brotherhood that could never be broken. John was a loving grandfather to Toni and Alex, whom he loved dearly. They are his oldest son, John's, and his wife Christina's.

Beyond his commitment to his family and career, John was a man of many passions. He was an avid sports fan, with a particular affinity for the New York Rangers and the New York Jets. His love for his teams was matched only by his enjoyment of a simple pleasure-sipping 7-11 coffee by the beach, where he found moments of tranquility and reflection, much needed - given his favorite sports teams. In his years married to his wife, they had many pets. He was fond of his dogs and cats - a testament to his caring nature.

Those who knew John will remember him for his quick wit and his ability to bring laughter to any room. His kind and loving nature was a comfort to all, and his generosity knew no bounds. John's legacy is one of laughter, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved.

As we say farewell to John Michael Miller, Jr., we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, marked by service, love, and laughter. His memory will continue to inspire and guide us, just as his presence enriched the lives of everyone he touched. John's spirit will forever be a beacon of light for his family, his friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He will be deeply missed, but the stories of his kindness, his love for life, and his enduring sense of humor will be cherished by all who had the honor of crossing paths with him. As we reflect on John's life, we take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the love he shared.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Avenue in Long Branch, NJ 07740, from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Funeral Thursday 9:00 am at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at The Church of the Precious Blood, 72 Riverdale Avenue in Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750. Interment will follow at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 W. Stevens Avenue, Hawthorne, NY 10532.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lustgarten Foundation Cure for Pancreatic Cancer, 1111 Stewart Ave, Bethpage NY 11714 Web: https://lustgarten.org/; Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island NY 10306 Web: https://tunnel2towers.org/ or Monmouth County SPCA, 260 Wall Street, Eatontown NJ 07724 Web: https://monmouthcountyspca.org/.

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