John Miller

John Miller, 78, born on August 10, 1945, in Chicago IL, passed away January 1st, 2024. He resided in Long Beach CA at the time of his passing. 

John was a man who enjoyed living his life filled with curiosity and a thirst for joy and knowledge. Born in Chicago to parents Adam and Florence Miller, his early days were filled with Catholic school, penny candy and singing and dancing to high energy songs on the radio with his sister Sharon. John made his way through his early years with a fervent, wide-eyed wonder. As a youngster he could be found spending free time on bumpy street car trips to places like Riverview Theme Park for the thrilling rides and rollercoasters, and to Comiskey Park to watch his beloved White Sox baseball team. 

Later, with an adolescent passion still for dancing, hot cars, photography, water skiing and girls, summers out of town visiting by the lake led him to meet Candice Gerren, who he later married and started a family with. In the midst of this, John was drafted into the military and served in the US Navy in Vietnam. After completed his tour, he returned home, married, and the couple had their first and only child, Cristopher. 

Through strong moral example, John led his family with great responsibility and hard work, his consistency being his greatest strength. 

As John found his way later in life on his own, he reapplied himself for education, and through his 60s, put himself through college to graduate Summa Cum Laude, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. 

During this time he also returned to a major touchstone from his joyful youth:

Dancing. 

With trepidation and little experience, John gradually learned to grow from awkward beginner to an advanced instructor-level salsa dancer, all the while sharing his trademark exuberance for new knowledge, joy, talent and energy with newfound friends and dance partners, doing the hard work to improve his craft. 

John was surrounded by friends, both from his work, and from his time in the clubs. 

Everyone knows of his zest for life, always consuming more, and his love for his family and friends. These are the qualities remembered about him and he will be cherished in our memories. 

John Miller is survived by his son Cristopher Miller and wife Katherine, his nephews Tim, Andy, Paul & Michael Harms, as well as many more family and friends. We will always miss you, Johnny Salsa! 

Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Cypress, CA. Flowers are appreciated and they can be ordered and delivered from any florist you like.