Video Clips

Distinguished Alumnus

Tribute to Coach Hazell

What's a Zackey?

T. grew up on Leominster's south side, attending Bennett School on Pleasant St. and later the old May A. Gallagher Junior High School. It was on the Bennett School basketball court where T refined his roundball skills and developed a reputation for coaching, organizing and leading.

In 1968, only two years out of high school, T. launched the city's first summer basketball league. He later organized and ran the Leominster Youth Basketball League, something he would continue for the next 30 years. His leadership skills, talent for teaching, and genuine love for people, both young and old, combined to create winning leagues as well as excellent team players who later went on to become successful in life.

To honor T. for his life's work, about 100 friends gathered together on May 19, 2001 to commemorate his years of dedicated service to Leominster's basketball programs. Boyhood friends, fondly known by T. as the "originals," journeyed back to Leominster for the ceremony from as far away as California, Virginia and Maryland. Over the years they had drifted apart, marrying and/or moving out of state, but a small core always kept in touch.

Festivities included a speech by Mayor Dean Mazzarella, and a presentation and speeches by Mike "Ben" Bangrazi (LHS '71), who served as master of ceremonies, and longtime friend Rocco Candiello (LHS '66). Mike presented T. with a basketball signed by all of his friends. (To the glee of spectators, T. later used the ball to sink one of his patented jumpshots). This was followed by an unveiling of a permanent sign erected by the city of Leominster with the words, "The Thomas J. 'T' Miller Basketball Court," and a final group photo on the bleachers. Everyone then relocated to the Knights of Columbus Hall on Lancaster St. to continue what all basketball players do after a game--drink a few cold ones, laugh and relive the game.

T. passed away on Dec. 18, 2002 at the age of 55. He had been confined to UMASS Medical Center in Worcester for almost seven months awaiting a liver transplant. The funeral service was held Dec. 23 at St. Leo's Church. Burial was in St. Leo's Cemetery on Lancaster St. Pallbearers were longtime friends and basketball teammates Mike Bangrazi, Bryant Firmin, Bob Gillis, Bruce Hargreaves, Bill Storm and Kris Spofford. Click here for T's obituary, a Eulogy, and an article about T's life that appeared in the Fitchburg Sentinel and Enterprise.