Donald Everett Miller

Donald Everett Miller, 78, of Plattsburgh left this Earth with dignity and peace on Thursday February 3, 2011 at home with his loving family by his side. He was the son of George E. Miller, former Plattsburgh City Clerk, and Julia (Soulia) Miller. Born on December 13, 1932, Donald was the oldest of eleven children. He loved his big family, and he spent the majority of his life teaching and helping other families. He graduated from Plattsburgh High School in the Class of 1950, and continued to Plattsburgh State University where he studied English and Teacher Education. A highlight of his college years was meeting American Poet Robert Frost. His love of literature was a big part of Don's life and he was an avid reader. Don sang and acted in Gilbert and Sulllivan musicals for the community theater group at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. His career as a teacher began in the Beekmantown School District and continued in Morrisville, NY where he met Constance Sue Stevenson, his future wife. Don and Connie were married August 22, 1964, and they raised three lovely daughters, of whom Don was immensely proud. As a teacher for over 30 years, most of which were spent in the English Department at Peru High School, he touched the lives of students and faculty alike. Don was "Mr. Miller" to generations of Peru students and he loved to tell stories of student success. He was English Department Chairperson for many years, and Peru Association of Teachers President. He spent his retired years as a mediator and contract negotiator for the School Administrators' Association of New York State. It was Don's way to be tough but fair, and he always stood up for what he thought was right. He passed that trait along to the rest of the family and that will be his legacy, for sure. Don Miller had a passion for sports, especially bowling, golf and baseball. He bowled at Plattsburgh Lanes in various leagues for decades, and he taught all three of his daughters to bowl. He spent many years as tournament director at Bluff Point Golf Club, organizing events and playing the game he loved. He was fondly referred to as "Ambassador of Golf." He also co-chaired the Mission of Hope Golf Tournament several times with his wife Connie, where they helped to raise money for the Children Feeding Children Fund for the North Country Mission of Hope. It was a rare sight to see a tear in Don's eye, but it was there when he thought of the plight of hungry children anywhere. Don Miller also loved the Red Sox, and he shared his love of baseball with his wife, daughters, and grandchildren (some of whom are Yankee fans). A thrill for Don was his trip to see a game last Father's Day on The Green Monster at Fenway Park. Don was known to frequent a casino or two in his day. He traveled, in his younger years, with his wife Connie and friends, to various resorts and casinos. He loved playing poker and blackjack and often returned home a winner. He also had lady luck with him on various trips to Saratoga Racetrack. Don also enjoyed eating in many local restaurants and he always made a point to get to know the staff. He considered the people he knew well in these establishments his friends and extended family. Often sharing stories and gifts, he was much more than just a patron. Throughout his life Don enjoyed gourmet cooking. He collected cookbooks and recipes, and often experimented with new ingredients at home. The best part of any day for Don was spending time with his six grandchildren. He found true joy in hearing them play musical instruments and sing, watching them play various sports, or hearing about their academic success. A common sight in the Miller home was a family board game. To spend time with his entire family, having "all the chicks in the nest," was his favorite thing of all. Don and Connie took all thirteen family members on several vacations, including Disney World and a Caribbean Cruise. Don is predeceased by his parents, a brother Thomas Miller, and a brother-in-law Edward Clifford. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Connie, three daughters and their families, Julia Miller of Plattsburgh and her son Jonas, Krista Jiampetti of Niskayuna, her husband Steve and their children Montana and Max, Laura Stevens, her husband Scott and their children Charlotte, Sophia and Luke. His nine siblings and their families Pat and Jerry Verville of Bradenton, Florida and their four children, Roberta Kelley of Plattsburgh and her son, Sandy and Ken Leonhardt of Bedford, Ohio and their four daughters, Phyllis Reiblein and her four sons, Mary Miller and her two children, Donna Miller, Christine Miller all of Plattsburgh, Peggy Clifford of Morrisonville and her four daughters, and Steven and Debbie Miller of Glenville, New York and their three daughters, as well as the five children of Thomas Miller. Calling hours will be Sunday, February 06, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, February 07, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Church. Entombment will be at St. Peter's Cemetery Columbarium. In lieu of flowers donations in Don's memory may be made to Mission of Hope, Hospice of the North Country, Children Feeding Children Fund or Peru Association of Teachers Camping Fund. Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, New York.