Jeffrey Scott Miller

All because two people fell in love…

A relationship was started

A home was made

A family was created

A journey was taken

A thousand memories will never be forgotten

A bond in us both will live forever, never to be broken

I remember the day you walked into my life and became my “boss.” It was a story you loved to tell anyone who would listen. We used to share stories about who fell in love first, but it was how we used to tease each other. From the day I asked you to go to Florida, to the day you asked me to marry you, we talked, we laughed, and we went on adventures. We would go to the beach so I could read and you could surf. We did what we wanted. I could listen to you talk all night about things you knew; you were Jeopardy bound for sure. Everyone I introduced you to instantly loved your easy going way and your gentle laugh. Although you worked so hard, you had a love of life like no one I’d ever met.

We took a journey down the aisle. We planned almost every step together, right down to the bridesmaids’ dresses. I loved that we planned our day in a way we both wanted. My family loved you as a brother-in-law and son-in-law right away. We enjoyed our honeymoon and you loved that we woke up each day and nothing was planned, yet we squeezed everything we could into each minute; and, of course, there was surfing. There was the daily good morning and goodnight kiss that was never forgotten. Our decision not to have kids for a little while led us on more trips, more unscheduled time, and our bond grew and grew.

Our next step was the most beautiful part of our love together - our children making our Ohana. You were so nervous, you couldn’t imagine being a great dad, but my God honey, you were the best. I knew you would be, as you cradled your children; so protective and in love with each beautiful gift on their first day. You played every silly game, watched all the cartoons, dressed up every Halloween, and danced your heart out. You couldn’t wait until they were older so you could tell them your stories, teach them about music, impart your wisdom, build their love of the ocean and nature, and become their best friend.

Our family meant so much to you. You worked to protect us and provide for us, taking time away from some of your travels and hobbies just to make sure we would be cared for. You accomplished so much both in our life together and in your career. You touched more and more people each day with each new position. Although you hated not being with us, you enjoyed so much about the work you did, and you were a great leader. I was so proud of how you always wanted to be your best each day. If you were nervous, scared or anxious, you were able to put it aside and be the best you could. Always showing that nothing could stop you.

Christian, Alec, Dean, Makenna and I became the sole purpose of each day, and we made it count. We tried new things, and built traditions that will never end. They all hold traits that remind me so much of you. I know the love, respect, and admiration you had for each of them. Each one surprised you with their uniqueness. You just loved watching them shine. Now you can be the shining light from above to watch every second of every day.

We will miss your stories

We will miss your jokes

We will miss your hugs

We will miss your kisses

We will miss your goodnights

But we will not miss the memories you gave us, because like you, they live on in our hearts forever.

My love always,

Your Beautiful Bride

Dad,

I didn’t think I would be writing this for a few more years, and I know you tried your best to make sure I wouldn’t have to. Some fights you can’t win, they only get you bloodier. I know you were in an unimaginable amount of pain, and I’m happy you don’t have to feel that anymore.

I’m trying my best to be strong for Mom and my siblings. I hope that everything I have done has given them a little less to worry about. I want you to rest knowing that you raised some strong children, who are going to do everything they can to take care of their family. I wish I could have done more. I am going to do the best I can to make sure Alec, Dean, and Makenna live long and happy lives, just like you would have wanted.

I consider myself lucky that I got a whole twenty years with you. Even though I got the most time out of my siblings, it still somehow doesn’t feel like nearly enough. I wish I could go on one more college visit with you, make one more batch of pancakes, go on one more road trip, but mostly I just want one more hug. I miss you so so much.

Love,

Christian

Dear Dad,

I still can’t believe this is real. Each day feels like a repeat of each other and my heart hurts more and more. Sometimes it just hits me that I will have to live the rest of my life without you and it depresses me. I really wish I could give you one last hug. Thank you so much for the best 17 years of my life. I love how strong, kind, and smart you always were. I wish we could’ve gone back to see New Orleans one more time. I loved how mad it made you when I rooted for the team that was playing the Jets. I’ll always remember how good you were to us and mom and I’d do anything to get that back. Thank you for all the memories and I love you.

Love you dad.

Alec

Dear Dad,

I never thought in my whole life that I would be writing something like this, well at least not at 15. I just wanted say thank you. Thank you for all the lessons, laughs, jokes, help school and much more. You are the best dad I could ever ask for. Just the other day I was thinking about those times when you would dry my hair on school nights and I would press that odd bump on your forehead, and you would act like it hurt. That always made me laugh. I miss that. I miss soccer and how much you loved seeing me play . I’m sorry I quit, truly. I wish we could go to Coyle's and get ice cream one last time. Coyle's was always your favorite. I wish I could watch you bite into ice cream with your two front teeth again, and having no reaction. That always amazed me. Anyway, I love you dad, I always will. I’m going to take care of mom, trust me. Thank you for being my hero and role model.

Love always (your favorite),

Dean

#1 Dad,

You have taught me so many things in the past 13 years. There are no words to describe how much I love you. You have always been there for me, taught me, talked to me, and I appreciate everything you have done for me. You always made jokes, laughed, and somehow knew the names of every actor in every movie. You would always reassure and comfort me in the darkest times. You loved music, and we shared so many songs and movies together. We watched so many movies together at night, especially during Christmas.

You are such a fighter and an inspiration. You fought so much, and still managed to put a smile on your face everyday. I love how we used to always talk about music and listen to it while we cooked together on Sunday mornings. You still were so strong despite all of the pain you were in. I love you so much Dad. You taught me how to be a true fighter, I will love you forever and always.

Love

Makenna (Your pretty girl)

Eulogy for Jeffrey Miller

When a young man asks for your daughter’s hand in marriage, one rarely gives a reply, instead what you do, is that you explain the hopes and expectations of your future Son-in- Law.

What you hope for is that he loves your daughter unconditionally, and keeps her happy. That he be a loyal husband, a good and loving father that provides and cares for their children, and hopefully can adjust and become one with your family.

Jeff checked all the boxes. In fact he went way beyond our hopes. He was Andrea’s best friend and their children loved and idolized him.

We have heard or know his history; but it bears repeating.

An inspirational and loving husband and father, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from N.Y.Tech, a decorated Navy Vet, an admired executive and servant leader who reached way back for his people, and colleagues. He loved surfing, music, movies, dressed to the nines, and for better or worse the Mets and the Jets.

He had a mind like a trap, in fact instead of saying “Google it” the family would say “Jeff it”.

We knew how special he was within the family. What we or at least I didn’t know was just how special he was outside the family, until reading the outpouring of love and admiration on Facebook posts, the Memorials friends and family wrote, and the overwhelming turnout yesterday and today, from people who Jeff touched as far back as three decades or more.

You see, Jeff didn’t want to be singled out as a star, but instead realized at an early age the benefits of teamwork; and that kind of leadership made him a Star.

Jeffrey Miller, was special there is no doubt,

When my daughter was carrying he would read Lord of the Rings, and other stories to their baby. When able to be at home for dinner, the family would turn off the T.V. and talk about their day. The family had Movie nights, went to games together, and although he would have preferred something else, Jeff would watch cartoons with the kids just to be with them.

He absolutely loved Disney World, and the smiles he saw on the kids faces as soon as they got inside the park.

When he and Andrea finally had a daughter his whole world turned upside down. It’s a father/daughter thing, I know that feeling, Makenna was his “Pretty Girl."

They had a happy life.

And then out of nowhere came a vicious unyielding cancer. To be told at a young age of 55 that you have a rare stage 4 cancer, would crush anyone.

But Jeff was resilient, through all the surgeries and treatments, he remained optimistic. He would not go down a rabbit hole, he told me that, several times. He lived as normal a life as he could, working, celebrating family events, and trying his best to participate, he even wrote a sonnet to Andrea. He never complained.

On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Jeff visited St. Patrick’s, by himself. Perhaps to square life's issues with the Lord. On Friday before he passed the whole family was together decorating for Christmas, they loved doing that as a family. On Saturday he gave special recognition pins to his people at Kohl's, his idea, not a corporate idea. And on the day he passed he sent me a text to say happy birthday, when I asked how he was he just said “not too bad”. That night he talked to my daughter and Dean to help keep Andrea awake driving home, after a marathon Volley ball tournament, and then he and Makenna watched Christmas movies.

Jeffrey Miller, again checked all the boxes, went to sleep and suddenly went into God’s Kingdom.

That inspirational, kind, over the moon in love with Andrea and his family, that Special Man, became an Angel.

And we will all miss you Jeff, very much, and will keep you in our hearts

We are proud to have known you and loved you like a son. We promise to devote our efforts to continue your fight against Cancer.

May God Bless you, and our family.

Pop