Obituary of Joseph N Miller

Joseph Miller, lifelong Guttenberg resident and beloved Bergen County educator passed away at Holy Name Hospital in the early morning hours of Monday June 16, 2024, after a long illness.  Joe retired from the Cresskill School District after many years of teaching elementary school and making the difference in the lives of many of his students. His energetic teaching style along with his genuine interest in the lives of his students forged long-standing friendships that continued throughout Joe’s life.  Joe was known for his supportive nature of fellow teachers and school staff.  His positive attitude, quick wit, and song singing improvs would brighten anyone’s day. It would not be out of the ordinary for Joe to show his concern for others during the school day, afterhours, weekends and holidays. His generosity of time and resource was boundless.  His family, made up of Aunts, Uncles, many cousins, and close friends could always count on Joe’s commitment to all. Whether celebrating new family arrivals, birthdays, church events, anniversaries, or traditional Sunday dinners, usually at DiPalma’s in North Bergen, Joe would be front and center leading the party. In times of difficulties, Joe would offer support, comfort, transportation, and whatever it took to make things better.   Joe’s constant compassion for his feline companions was remarkable. It was amazing to witness and admire the close bond each pet had with Joe. Breakfast, dinner, and TV time found Joe surrounded by his furry friends. Joe loved his cats- he spoiled them all! Many times he would be talking on the phone, and one of his cats, especially Murphy, would come over by him and he would get off the phone to hold him.  An avid Broadway Theater goer, Joe attended more shows than anyone could imagine. He would love to share his theater outings, often inviting friends and family to join him.  His Broadway trivia knowledge was beyond compare. Hum a few notes of a show tune and he would name the show without fail, sometimes even sighting the theater in which it was performed.  Joe had an incredible ability to somehow come up with tickets to many holiday shows and surprised his family members with an invite. Something that will be treasured forever.  His extensive collection of music recordings made his living room a concert hall, from Broadway show tunes to Sinatra, Bennet, Martin, Big Band, and wide verity of orchestra. One could hear the music play from the street level in front of his home.  He had a big heart and a colorful personality. Joe touched the lives of many and will live on in our hearts and memories.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: PUFF  P.O. Box 556 Peapack, New Jersey 07977  This organization played a critical role during Joe’s greatest need and is dedicated to the welfare and adoption process of cats.