David J. Miller

David J. Miller, known to all as Dave, passed away surrounded by loved ones after a short illness.

Dave graduated from Wilbur H. Lynch High School in 1975.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1975 to 1978, until a near-fatal car accident while he was a passenger. He spent nearly a year recovering at Bethesda Naval Hospital.

In the early 1980s, Dave worked at Coleco during the height of the Cabbage Patch craze. He later held positions in both the janitorial and food service departments at the State Office Building in Albany.

In 1993, Dave pursued his love of sports broadcasting by attending the New School of Radio, where he interned with the Albany-Colonie Yankees. A personal highlight was interviewing a young Derek Jeter, then playing for the AA team.

From 1993 to 1994, Dave hosted his own cable sports show on Gateway Cable, where he interviewed athletes and coaches from high schools in Amsterdam, Fonda, Fort Plain, and other area High Schools. He also served as the voice of the Amsterdam Rams Varsity baseball team, and for many years announced games for the Amsterdam City Softball League, also compiling stats.

A devoted supporter of Amsterdam High School athletics, Dave was a longtime member of the chain gang for the Running Rams football team, often traveling with his brother Mark to playoff games—including the state title game. His love for the school community led him to a later role as the parking lot attendant at Amsterdam High School, a job he cherished for the daily interaction with students.

Music was another lifelong passion. Dave attended countless rock concerts, a passion reflected in his vast collection of ticket stubs, cassette tapes, and CDs. One of his most cherished memories was attending an AC/DC concert at the Albany Palace Theater in 1977, where Angus Young and Bon Scott performed right in front of him from the first row of the balcony. Concerts were often shared with his brother Mark, adding to the joy.

Dave also coached his son Ray’s baseball team and others in the Wee Men’s Major Baseball League, giving his time generously to young athletes.

A proud and loving cat owner, Dave found deep companionship in the cats he cared for throughout his life.

Holidays spent with his brother Mark’s family brought him great happiness. He was especially fond of reconnecting with former students at Riverfront events, always eager to hear about their lives and proud to see them thrive as adults.

Dave is survived by his son, Ray Miller of Saratoga, NY; his brother, Mark Miller, and sister-in-law Bonita Miller of Broadalbin, NY; his nephew Mark Miller and wife Sara of Hopewell Junction, NY; his niece Megan Miller and husband Lancelot Lachartre of London, UK; and his great-nieces, Suzy Miller and Margot Miller Lachartre.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Mollie Miller; his sister, Stephanie Miller Grandy; her husband, David Grandy; and his nieces, McKayla, Nicole, and Katie Grandy.

A memorial gathering for Dave will be held with the date and time to be announced.