John D. Miller

December 06, 1961 - March 20, 2023

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Obituary for John D. Miller

John D. Miller, 61, of Milton, MA and East Chop, Martha's Vineyard, died peacefully on March 20, 2023.

He is survived by his three children, whom he loved dearly: John D. Miller Jr., his wife Devin (Curley) Miller, and their daughter Reese (Ridge) Miller; Robert C. Miller and his fiancée, Megan Ferro; Caroline Miller, and their mother, Jacqueline (Pelletier) Miller. John D. was the son of Patricia (Klier) Miller of Naples, FL, and the late Edward D. Miller. He is also survived by six sisters, Jeannie (Miller) Hynes and his brother-in-law, John B. Hynes, III; Stephanie (Miller) Greene and her husband, Tom; Christine Miller; Michelle Miller; Gretchen (Miller) Johnson and her husband, Chris; Julie (Miller) Freking and her husband, Dean; and two brothers, Eddie Miller Jr. and his wife, Julie (Cook) and Gregory T. Miller and his wife Helen, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

John D. was a “Double Eagle,” graduating from Boston College High School in 1980 and Boston College in 1984. He had an auspicious start to his commercial real estate career as a broker at Cushman & Wakefield and soon after joined John Hynes in the fledgling Boston office of Lincoln Property Company, taking over leadership of the office when “Hynsie” left to start a new firm.

John D. was a proud partner at Lincoln and rose to Senior Vice President. He excelled at both leasing and development, leading the Boston team for over 30 years as it grew from a staff of six to well over 100. Many notable individuals backed John D’s career and considered him family. He mentored many great Boston brokers, and he retired knowing that he and his team had created an extraordinary culture. He often said Boston was like “a beautiful college campus, full of his best friends and best memories.”

He adored his enormous family and his countless friends. In his prime, John D. was a focused runner who ran several miles early each morning with a close-knit group and completed five Boston Marathons. He enjoyed his membership at Milton's Wollaston Golf Club, playing tennis with his family at East Chop Tennis Club, and swimming at East Chop Beach Club. He was instrumental in staging two popular golf events each year, "The Hojo" in Oyster Harbors, now named in memory of Jay Wailes, and the “The Ritz Invitational" in memory of Paul Machado. He golfed in places he loved like Kiawah Island, often with three friends who together called themselves The Four Horsemen.

John was a devoted son who adored his mother, Patti, and father, Eddie. Eddie's presence at Boston College inspired him to support BC athletics from a young age. Over the years, John D. and numerous Millers, Hyneses, Frekings, Johnsons and Greenes built a legacy that his father was proud of. He was also a huge fan of Boston’s pro sports team. Broadcasts of the Red Sox were usually playing in the background of his house. He would discuss the Bruins with John D. Junior and the Celtics with Robert. He adored the Dallas Cowboys since he grew up watching "America's Team" triumph over the Patriots.

On the Vineyard, he loved taking a long bike ride, followed by a swim in the beautiful, clear waters of East Chop – a place and community he cherished. John D. loved to garden; and his plans to expand the Vineyard home for his growing family will become a dream fulfilled. His last purchase was a ticket on the Martha’s Vineyard ferry; so, in a sense, his soul was about to set sail to his favorite destination.

Friends and family will remember John D. as the handsome guy with a glint in his eye and a soft smile, someone who loved to tell and retell a great story. He especially loved to quote his beloved father, Eddie Miller, who told him, “If you can count five great friends who you can go to for anything, you’re a lucky man.” John D. had so many more than that.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Agatha Church, 432 Adams Street at Brook Road, Tuesday, March 28th, at 10:30 AM. Family and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, Monday March 27th, from 4-8 PM. Burial will follow at Milton Cemetery, Milton.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Boston College High School, 150 Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester, MA 02125, in the name of John D. Miller, Class of 1980. www.bchigh.edu/give

Services

27 Mar

Visiting Hours

04:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - EAST MILTON SQUARE 460 Granite Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
28 Mar

Mass of Christian Burial

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Saint Agatha Church 432 Adams Street Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
28 Mar

Interment

12:00 PM - 12:15 PM

Milton Cemetery 211 Centre Street Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • March 31, 2023

    Gretchen, Sincere condolences.

  • March 28, 2023

    You are and always will be my world. I love you so much. - Caroline Marie

  • March 27, 2023

    I just learned of JD's passing. His sister Gretchen was my best friend at BC. JD was also a close and ear friend. I have no words to express my sorrow. I always loved him. I am just shocked and saddened to hear this news....he is now with his beloved father, Eddie, who I also loved so very much. May God bless the entire Miller family. I loved and love you all so very much. This is such a sad time for so many. God bless! Sending love to all the Miller family and friends. Especially you, Gretch....I love you , I love you dear friend. Patty Pederson

  • March 25, 2023

    John...I know we were only cousins by marriage but you left an impression on my family you were always kind to us and you made us laugh we will not forget you or forget how handsome you were rest in peace in the arms of Jesus love the Martels

  • March 24, 2023

    John... we will always cherish our wonderful times together on the Vineyard, cookouts, golf and just hanging on the back patio. We will miss you dearly and will hold you in our hearts always... love Elaine, Kevin and Allison

  • March 23, 2023

    Dear Patti and Family, We were so sorry to read of John's passing. Our prayers and sympathy are with all of you at this sad time. We have many wonderful memories of you and your family coming into the Foodie those many years ago !!! Sincerely, Bill and Alice Mercer

  • March 23, 2023

    John D was the most amazing teenager. Always working and did countless jobs for me. Mowing my huge lawn and painting my deck chairs. Always a gentleman. Movie Star Handsome . Gone too soon. A heartbreaking loss

  • March 23, 2023

    Sending love and prayers to you on the loss of John. I did not know John well, but given what great children he has, I know he was a good man. May he rest in Peace. Mary Myers

  • March 22, 2023

    With Deepest Sympathy in this devastating loss in your lives. Praying for you & Thinking of all of you. John was a neighbor of my families many moons ago on Granite Place.