Michael "Mick" J. Miller

Michael “Mick” John Miller, 72, died unexpectedly on December 6, 2023, at his residence in Bonita Springs, FL. Mick was born in Teaneck, NJ but spent most of his life in the Flemington, NJ area before moving to Aruba in 2005. After five years in Aruba, he and his wife Liz moved back to the US and settled down in Bonita Springs, FL. Mick was predeceased by his parents Edward W. and Veronica M. (Becker) Miller. He is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Elizabeth A. “Liz” Mayer, his brother Gerard Miller of Seattle, WA, and his sister Elizabeth “Liz” Eggers-Hampel of Chelan, WA. Mick had many talents and interests. His lifelong passion was photography. After receiving training in NYC, he had several shows in NJ and Aruba, opened a photo gallery, and created several websites. Many of his photographs can still be seen on his website “www.Dreamsbylight.com”. Mick had culinary skills. He studied, and for several years, ran the kitchen services for Maharishi International University (MIU). In 1985, he ventured out on his own to become the owner/chef of Mondo Mick’s in Frenchtown, NJ which specialized in breakfast cuisine. This made him a beloved presence in the town. He operated this restaurant for over a decade. Mick also loved the outdoors. He liked gardening and spent much time tending to his flowers. He created a beautiful butterfly garden with gorgeous flowers that surrounded his home. He loved fishing and even made his own fishing rods. Mick was a very kind, caring, and outgoing person. As a young man, he worked as a youth counselor in Raritan Township, NJ. In 2005, Mick and Liz moved to Aruba to help take care of Liz’s elderly parents. While in Aruba, Mick and Liz started the “Aruba Kitten Rescue” after noticing there were no rescues for cats and kittens there. They specialized in “bottle babies” (kittens who are so young that they cannot eat on their own). They used Aruba tourist bulletin boards to match kittens with new American owners. They have quite a reputation for producing wonderful kittens. Even after moving back to Bonita Springs, FL in 2010, they continued their devotion to this special need and collaborated with the “Haven on Earth Animal League” in Ft. Myers to become foster parents for stray kittens. This is the YouTube page for their work as Aruba Kitten Rescue: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqrmzg2Vv5NI79neT9nKFVQ Mick was a longtime member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Being a firm believer in helping others, he was always willing to share his sobriety (37 years) with newcomers. His endless sense of humor carried him through many of life’s challenges, and he lived by the philosophy that recovery from alcoholism doesn’t mean that life is over, but rather just the beginning. It was this positive attitude that drew others to him. It’s said AA is a program of attraction rather than promotion. If that is the case, Mick helped more people than he would ever know. Mick befriended his 17-year-old neighbor named Dylan. They became the best pals right away. Even though the age difference was 55 years, there was very little difference in the “maturity” level. Mick loved finding his inner 17-year-old. It allowed them to play video games, joke, laugh, and have a blast just hanging around. Of course, Mick’s wisdom was also imparted to Dylan, and their long conversations covered topics like fishing, driving, Nintendo video games, history, and just about anything having to do with the care of kittens. Mick's mischievous side always left Dylan guessing whether or not he was joking and their sense of humor was a “spot-on” match. Mick was the closest Dylan ever had to a grandfather although they acted more like kids together. Dylan couldn’t have asked for a better pal or a better mentor. Soul to soul, they were quite a pair. Dylan currently works at the Village Walk Ice Cream Shop. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, please contribute to Mick’s best friend Dylan’s college fund. This is tax deductible and I know this would make Mick very happy to see his adopted grandson be able to go to college. https://gofund.me/06798cc7 Plans are in the works to have several Zoom memorials for Mick since his friends and family are all over the world. If you would like to attend, please contact Liz at Liz@arubakitten.org Liz would like to extend her thanks to all the people who are helping her go through his very hard time. She is still in shock from losing the love of her life so quickly. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Michael "Mick" J. Miller

June 28, 1951 - December 6, 2023