Colleagues and friends are planning a campus memorial service for the spring for John E. Miller, technical director and lighting designer at Yulman Theatre, who died Thursday, Feb. 14, at Ellis Hospital. He was 59.
The funeral was held Monday in Colonie. Miller is survived by his wife Linda Dott; their children, Erik, Alyssa, Kristen and Tiana; his brother, James Miller; sisters, Jane (Robert) Riggs and Sally Miller; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his siblings Susan and Thomas.
Miller 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.
A native of Amityville, N.Y., the son of Victor and Lucile (Schaaf) Miller, Miller was a graduate of the State University of New York College at Brockport, where he earned degrees in history and theater. He also earned a master’s degree in theater from the University at Binghamton.
He worked at the Bristol Valley Playhouse in Naples, N.Y., and was a founding member of Home Made Theater of Saratoga Springs. He was technical director for Curtain Call Theatre of Latham and actively involved with the Blue Roses Theatre of Schenectady High School. He 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 may be sent to: John E. Miller Memorial Fund c/o Trustco Bank 1048 State St., Schenectady, NY 12307.