John D. ‘Mickey’ Million

Born on Sept. 4, 1928 in Queens, Mickey was a longtime resident of Kerhonkson, where he was a physical education teacher, and a track, basketball, and football coach for Rondout Valley Central School. “Coach” as he was widely known, led the Ganders to more than 100 victories as head varsity football coach for the Rondout Valley in 23 years at the helm from 1969 to 1991. In typically humble fashion, upon achievement of his 100th win he told local news reporters, “It feels good but I’m glad it’s finally over. Now maybe you can start writing about the players instead of me. After all, they’re the ones that win the games.”

Million was an exceptional athlete at Forest Hills High School, was named to the New York City All Star Soccer team, graduated in 1947 and went on to letter in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse at Syracuse University. After a two-year interruption of his college career to serve as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army, he returned to complete his degree, graduating from Syracuse University in 1955. A member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, he met his wife, Barbara (Decker) Million, in his second stint at SU, and they remained married for 57 years. After two years teaching at his alma mater in Forest Hills, Mick and Barb settled in her hometown of Kerhonkson, and his 35-year career at RVC began in 1957. His impact on the community, and that of his mentor and predecessor as RV football coach, John “Chick” Meehan, resulted in the Rondout Valley football field being named “Meehan-Million Field” in 2002.

After retirement, the Millions traveled around the country in an RV, always accompanied by one of a string of faithful golden retrievers: Shonny, Clancy, Ginger and Kelly. Eventually they settled in the small resort community of River Ranch, Florida. Mickey enjoyed walking the dog, reading, playing golf, following Syracuse Orange sports, and rooting for the New York Giants football team. He leaves many friends at River Ranch with whom he shared his sunny personality and sweet disposition.

Million was the son of Benjamin and Marion (Murphy) Million. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Saranac Lake, and sons; John Million Jr. and his wife Kathleen of Lake Placid, and Christopher and his wife Holly of Oakland, California. Mickey was predeceased by his brother Ben in 2013.

Coach Million positively impacted hundreds of students, players, and fellow teachers, whom he came in contact with over a long and storied career. But his most selfless act may have been caring for his wife Barb for more than the last decade of his life as she struggled with Alzheimer’s. Mickey’s final wishes were for no calling hours or services, but those seeking to honor his memory may make donations in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or the Tri-Lakes Humane Society at PO Box 1111, Saranac Lake, NY 12983.

The M.B. Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid is in Charge of arrangements. Friends and relatives are invited to share a memory or leave online condolences at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com.