Hundreds Say Goodbye To "The King" Firefighter

He was strong and fit. And in the eyes of his loved ones and fellow firefighters he could do no wrong. Everyone knew him growing up in Rosedale and Rockaway. Eventually, Henry A. Miller, Jr., 52, one of the Fire Departments bravest, earned the nickname, "The King." At his funeral Monday, Millers friends and family spoke through their tears at his funeral at The Church of St. Claire in Rosedale, a small church overflowing with an estimated 1,300 mourners.
Hundreds of firefighters lined up as a light rain fell and a slow procession of bagpipers moved down Brookville Boulevard toward the church. His father Henry Miller, Sr. and mother Beaty, wife Diane and the children followed, clinging to one another. Then came Borough President Claire Shulman, Assemblywoman Audrey Pfeffer and officials from City Hall and fire and police officials.
Two fire trucks with American flags blowing in the breeze were fitting sentinels for the solemn scene below.
The funerals of each of the 349 firefighters who died in the disastrous World Trade Center explosion spoke volumes about the brave men who safeguard city streets.
At Mondays funeral, dozens of Millers friends and brave colleagues spoke well of the fireman from Ladder Company 105. Friends joked how he attracted every pretty girl in the two communities with his long blond pony tail. They recalled how he once spent his time caddying, working in the deli and surfing.
Mike Eggert, a buddy for 20 years, now a resident of Baldwin, recounted their exploits as scuba divers and surfers.
"He was a true waterman," Eggert said. "We spent countless hours 20 years ago in Long Beach. Henry loved that life."
Another friend who asked to remain anonymous remembered fondly how Miller attended Baruch College, a straight A student in accounting.
In 1973, one semester short of a degree, his life took a new turn. He decided to join the Fire Department. He loved his new career and his life brightened even further when he met "the absolute love of my life" his wife, Diane.
Inside the church, every seat was taken, with firefighters standing in the back. Msgr. James J. Cooney said that Miller "had a mild manner and was a stabilizing force at the fire house. He was dedicated to his job and was truly one of New Yorks greatest."
He recalled seeing a sign at the WTC site that read: "You ran in when we ran out."
"Henry loved life," Msgr. Cooney said. "Longfellows poem, Psalm of Life," says it all.
Cooney said that Millers close family was badly stricken by his sudden death.
In order to perpetuate Millers devotion to helping those in need, the church announced a scholarship has been established in his name. Donations can be made to Henry A. Miller, Jr., Memorial Fund at 151 Beach 124 St., Rockaway Park, N.Y. 11694.