Thomas Miller, age 84 of Naples, Florida, died on Monday, January 5,
2009. Tom was working out on the tennis court shortly before his
passing. Tom was born in Yonkers, New York, on November 1, 1924. He was
the oldest son of Alex and Janet Miller. Tom moved to Naples in 1993
from Lloyd Harbor, New York.
Tom retired from a 36-year career in education in 1986. He was a school
administrator in several Long Island school systems including
Northport, Cold Spring Harbor and Oyster Bay. His dedication to the
profession included receiving a Ph.D. in education administration.
Tom grew up with his brothers Al and Pete in Irvington, New York. The
Miller boys were top athletes at Irvington High School. Tom was a
varsity baseball and basketball player. At age 17 Tom finished high
school and enlisted in the United States Navy to defend his country
during World War II. He was sent to flight school and achieved the rank
of chief petty officer. Following his military service, Tom attended
Brockport College. While he was a freshman at Brockport the men's
varsity basketball coach from Seton Hall University scouted him. Tom
was offered a full scholarship and became the starting center for the
Seton Hall Pirates the following year. Tom also played on semi-pro
teams in the New York area. Those lightning reflexes on his six-foot
five-inch frame made him a much sought after team member.
If there was ever a person who epitomized the hard work ethic, it was
Tom. He grew up in a family of cement masons. He learned the
bricklayer's trade from his father Alex and his Uncle Charlie at an
early age. His skill at laying block and brick earned him the right to
build up corners on many a job. He continued to use his knowledge of
construction as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.
Once he retired from the world of work Tom wanted to play sports again
and found tennis. He was a ranked player and won several doubles
tournaments. His net game was ferocious. His serve could be downright
daunting. His quickness never seemed to fade.
Although Wyndemere was his home, he also grew to love Waitsfield,
Vermont, where he enjoyed living and playing tennis for the past 15
years.
Tom leaves a loving family including his wife Diane Graver Miller,
daughter Sheila McDonald and her husband Allen, daughter Donna Ebel and
her husband Rick, granddaughter Rebecca Ebel and grandson David Ebel.
Tom's marriage to Diane in 1996 extended his family to include Diane's
children John, Leslie and Kyle and grandchildren Samantha, Sarah,
Stephen, Ryan, Devon, Garrett and Rachel. His first wife Janet, his
brother Pete and his parents Alex and Janet Miller predeceased him.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, January 10, at 3:30 p.m. at the
First Presbyterian Church of Naples. Friends and family gathered at the
Tiebreaker Room at the Wyndemere Club House following the services for
a celebration of this wonderful man's life. Contributions in Tom's name
can be made to the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity.
Naples Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery is handling arrangements. Phone (239) 597-3101.
