by Eileen Symmons
Bill Miller is to receive the Timothy J. Coughlin ’76 Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to St. Mary’s. Although he was not born in town, Miller is undoubtedly the ultimate Manhasset man. Throughout the years, he has maintained a wonderful relationship with the schools of St. Mary beginning with his beloved wife, Angela, who graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1955. The couple married at the Church of St. Mary on June 22, 1957 and began raising their family. They sent their children to school at St. Mary’s, and that legacy continues today. Three generations of Millers have attended The Schools of St. Mary because of the special relationship that started between Angela and Miller.
It was probably true that Angela pushed the children toward Catholic education at St. Mary’s, but as a smart husband, Miller did not resist. He was educated at Chaminade, and always understood the importance of a strong faith for his children in their upbringing. As 9 of his 11 children (Miller ’76, Eugene ’78, Kevin ’79, Angel ’81, Dean ’84, Patrick ’88, Drew ’93, Kory ’96 and Ryan ’09) attended St. Mary’s, Miller was always there to support their efforts.
Miller has been involved with Manhasset lacrosse for over 40 years and still serves on the board of the Manhasset PAL. With his involvement, the program developed players that went on to play at St. Mary’s High School and at the collegiate level in every division. Miller coached players like John Driscoll, John Gagliardi, Dave Pietramala ’85, Conor Denihan, Daniel Denihan and Sean Denihan.
Miller was instrumental in the development of the girls’ lacrosse program beginning in the spring of 1993. He and Angela recruited Brandy Schnitzer to coach, and with additional support the program was born and still flourishes today.
Due to Miller’s great example of coaching and volunteerism, many of his former players have followed his example and returned to their own schools and programs to do the same. Lacrosse programs in particular have benefitted from his hard work and dedication to youth athletics. Players such as Frank Bice, Ryan Miller, Kory Miller and Jen Nolan are some of the alumni that have returned to St. Mary’s to give back. Countless others have found the calling of coaching based on their experience with Coach Miller as a kid.
Miller is an avid fan of the sport of lacrosse, his family, his friends and St. Mary’s Schools. He had fun with all of the kids on the field and with friends like Tom Raleigh, who was his long-time partner in all of these efforts.
Miller continues to reside in Manhasset and attend events at St. Mary’s. He helps care for his grandchildren who attend St. Mary’s Elementary School, and he continues to attend Mass at St. Mary’s Church.
On Thursday, Sept. 24, Saint Mary’s High School will host their 23rd Annual Don Monti Memorial Golf Classic and Fall Alumni Dinner at Plandome Country Club. In celebration of Miller’s dedication and unwavering commitment to St. Mary’s and the youth of Manhasset, he will be presented with the Timothy J. Coughlin ’76 Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to St. Mary’s. The award emanates from Tim’s beloved family who chose to keep his memory alive after he perished in the attacks on 9/11 at the World Trade Center. Tim Coughlin’s spirit, dedication and love for St. Mary’s are truly found in those who receive this special award in his name.
St. Mary’s invites all who wish to celebrate Miller and his lifelong work in the community to attend the event. All of the money raised directly benefits current St. Mary’s students. To learn more about the event or to register online, visit www.stmary.ws/HighSchool or contact Kristin Lynch Graham, Director of Development and Alumni Relations at 516-627-2711, ext. 1162.
