It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Henry “Hank” Miller, the first executive director of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association. Hank was 90 years old.
A graduate of Rutgers University, Hank was a teacher, guidance counselor, and principal at North Arlington High School, and later served as principal of Franklin Township High School. From 1973 until 1981 he served as executive director of the New Jersey Association of Secondary School Principals and Supervisors. In 1980 Hank Miller helped to guide the merger of the Association of Secondary Principals and Supervisors and the New Jersey Association of Elementary and Middle School Administrators to form the current New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association for which he served as executive director from 1981 to 1991.
“For so many years, NJPSA has reaped the benefits of Hank’s visionary leadership in establishing our organization as a place for principals and supervisors to have their voices heard, their contributions celebrated, and their rights protected” said NJPSA Executive Director Patricia Wright. “Staff members who worked with Hank here at NJPSA spoke of his kindness, gentleness, and generous spirit that made working for NJPSA a pleasure. We mourn his loss and extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to his family.”
NJPSA Office Manager, Stacy Barksdale-Jones, was hired by and worked for Hank as a teenager, and has continued her career with NJPSA ever since. “For me, Hank Miller was the embodiment of integrity, stellar character, visionary leadership and a wonderful boss,” Barksdale-Jones said. “I will forever cherish the man who gave me my first job, personal guidance and strong advice. He has forever left an indelible mark on my heart and on my life.”
Visitation is on Wednesday, January 24, from 2 to 4 pm and from 6 to 8 pm at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home in Fords, NJ. The funeral service will begin at 7:30 pm. Flowers will be accepted, or contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
