The funeral for John E. Miller, technical director and lighting designer at Yulman Theater, will be Monday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155 south of Central Ave.). The Rev. Carol Miller will officiate.
Calling hours are Monday 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.
John died Thursday, Feb. 14, at Ellis Hospital after being stricken on campus. He was 59.
He joined Union in 1987, inspiring students and colleagues throughout a career that included dozens of productions at Yulman Theater, the former theater at the Nott Memorial, and at local and regional venues. He was teaching a class this term on lighting design, and was preparing for the upcoming winter dance concert.
He was born in Amityville, N.Y., the son of Victor and Lucile (Schaaf) Miller.
He was a man of great passions. The first being his family and the second being the theatre.
He is survived by his wife Linda Dott, whom he married May 14, 1971; their children, Erik, Alyssa, Kristen and Tiana Miller; his brother, James Miller; his sisters, Jane (Robert) Riggs and Sally Miller; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his siblings Susan and Thomas.
He was a graduate of SUNY Brockport, having earned degrees in history and theatre. Brockport is where John was introduced to the theatre and it always held a special place in his heart. He also earned his master’s degree in theatre from SUNY Binghamton.
John worked at the Bristol Valley Playhouse in Naples N.Y., and was a founding member of Home Made Theater of Saratoga Springs. He was the technical director for Curtain Call Theatre of Latham, and actively involved with the Blue Roses Theatre of Schenectady High School. John had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and loved camping at Fish Creek in the Adirondacks.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for the children would be appreciated: John E. Miller Memorial Fund c/o TRUSTCO Bank 1048 State St., Schenectady, NY 12307.
Arrangements are with New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 456-4442.
Students who would like to speak with someone about their feelings are urged to contact Viki Brooks-McDonald, campus Protestant minister and interfaith chaplain, at 522-3907 or the Counseling Center at ext. 6161. Employees are urged to contact the Employee Assistance Program at (800) 252-4555.