David Miller, Sr.

David P. Miller (1933-2025)

David P. Miller, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, coach, and mentor, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the age of 92.

Born in 1933, in Staten Island, New York, David was raised by his father, Saul Miller, and wife, Madeline Carey Miller.

He married the love of his life, Janet Forsthoffer, on June 9, 1956, and together they shared fifty-five years of marriage until Janet’s passing in 2011. Their partnership was built on love, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to family.

David was predeceased by his eldest son, David P. Miller Jr., who passed away in October 2024, and is survived by his two sons, Donald Sr. (Cathy) and Michael Sr.; four grandchildren – Michael Jr. (Desiree) and Kristin (children of Michael Sr. and Patricia), and Donald Jr. and Morgan (children of Donald Sr. and Cathy); and three great-grandchildren – Blake and Brooke (children of Michael Jr. and Desiree) and Annabelle (daughter of Donald Jr.).

Education and Military Service

David graduated from Peekskill Military Academy in 1950, where he served as 2nd Lieutenant and Executive Officer of Company A, and earned varsity letters in football, boxing, and lacrosse.

He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Physics from Wagner College, followed by a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from Western Connecticut State College.

After completing his studies, David proudly served his country in the United States Army, undergoing Basic Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and Advanced Infantry training as a Heavy Weapons Infantryman. He later served as cadre on the M-1 Training Committee, was stationed for a year in Keflavik, Iceland, and completed his service at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he earned a place on the Division Rifle Team for his exceptional marksmanship.

Teaching and Coaching Career

David dedicated more than three decades of his life to education and mentorship.

He began teaching in 1959 at Peekskill Military Academy, where he taught mathematics until the school’s closing in 1968. During his tenure, he served as Head of the Mathematics Department and coached JV football, soccer, lacrosse, and varsity swimming.

Following PMA’s closure, David continued his calling as an educator at Ossining High School, where he inspired countless students until his retirement in 1994. Known for his sharp intellect, calm demeanor, and deep compassion, he guided generations of students with patience, humor, and quiet strength.

Lacrosse Legacy

Lacrosse was one of David’s lifelong passions – a sport through which he built friendships, leadership, and legacy.

After playing post-collegiate club lacrosse with both the New York Lacrosse Club and the Connecticut Valley Lacrosse Club, David helped found the first post-collegiate lacrosse club in Westchester County in 1971. As player, coach, and later administrator, he guided the Westchester/Pepsi Lacrosse Club to a League Championship in 1987 and a runner-up finish in 1988, earning Coach of the Year honors for his leadership and dedication.

He later served as Commissioner of the American Lacrosse League, the largest post-collegiate league in the United States. David was also a charter member of several key lacrosse organizations, including the Hudson Valley Lacrosse Officials Association, the New York State Lacrosse Officials Association, and the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Lacrosse Foundation (now U.S. Lacrosse).

Throughout his career, David received numerous honors recognizing his contributions to the sport, including:

     • Lacrosse Man of the Year (1985)- United States Lacrosse Coaches Association

     • William P. Wittlesberger Award (1994) – Lacrosse Foundation, for unheralded service to the game

     • Induction into the Hudson Valley Lacrosse Hall of Fame (1995)

His passion and leadership helped grow the sport throughout the region and left an indelible mark on the lacrosse community.

A Life Remembered

Beyond his professional and athletic achievements, David will be remembered most for his integrity, kindness, and unwavering devotion to family. Whether teaching in the classroom, mentoring on the field, or sharing a story at the dinner table, he led with patience, humor, and grace.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, and leadership that continues to shine through his family, his students, and all those whose lives he touched.