Shrewsbury – Mr. Thomas J. “T.J.” Miller, 62, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 in UMass – Memorial Healthcare, University Campus.
Born June 17, 1949 in Lawrence, he was the son of Everett and Catherine Miller. He graduated from Grafton High School in 1967, where he was co-captain of the football team. He graduated from the carpentry program at Worcester Industrial Technical Institute. He swam competitively at the YMCA.
At the age of 14, Mr. Miller took a job at the former Shrewsbury Nurseries on Route 9 in Shrewsbury and worked at the company for over 40 years. He became a son, brother and uncle to the Lebeaux family, who owned the nursery where he was a constant and steady force.
With his tremendously outgoing and friendly nature, he was a fiercely loyal and devoted friend to many, always ready to willingly lend a hand in any way. He celebrated life to the fullest. Early on, he met Kimberly J. Ludwick and though life took them on different paths they reunited years later and married Oct. 29, 2002.
In addition to his wife, Kim, he leaves his step-children, Michael J. Calabrese and his wife, Lauren, of Framingham and their son Carter and Lori M. Calabrese and her fiancé, Pat Connor, of Newport Beach, California. He also leaves his mother-in-law, Patricia J. (Bence) Ludwick of Walpole; his brother-in-law, Robert M. Ludwick of Natick; his sister-in-law, Karen Locke and her husband, Robert, of Walpole; and nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will honor and remember Mr. Miller's life by gathering for calling hours Tuesday, Jan. 31, from 5 to 8 p.m., in Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center, and again Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 11 a.m., for his funeral service. Burial will be private.
Mr. Miller's memory may be honored with a contribution to The Jimmy Fund – Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02884.
