Philippus Miller III - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

A memorial service will take place at 3pm on August 30 at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. It will be held in Sage Chapel on campus, with a reception to follow in the Statler Ballroom.

Philippus Miller III (1960-2019)

Phil Miller, age 58, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2019, after suffering a stroke.

Born October 14, 1960 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Phil is survived by his beloved wife of 19 years, Yasamin Miller of Ithaca, NY, stepson Cyrus DiCiccio of Palo Alto, CA, mother Sally Miller of Philadelphia, brother Caleb Miller of San Rafael, CA, in-laws Candy and Ali Sarraf of Ontario, and a loving extended family. Phil is preceded in death by his father, Philippus Miller Jr.

Rarely in life are we graced by the presence of someone loved by everyone they encounter.Phil was this unique individual.Phil was first and foremost a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Yasamin, and their relationship was a joy to anyone privileged to spend time in their company. He cared deeply about his family as well his many close friends, and cherished nothing more than spending time in the company of his loved ones.He buoyed everyone with his warmth, unforgettable laugh, and brilliant humor. He was quick witted, incredibly bright, and accomplished in all endeavors he approached.Phil was described by many in colorful terms that pay homage to the color and vibrancy of his life.‘A dazzling conversational acrobat’, ‘absolute gentleman’, ‘witty, urbane and supremely intelligent’, ‘Cornellian extraordinaire’ are just a small sampling used to describe him.

Phil was a member of The Society of the Cincinnati, founded in 1783 at the end of the Revolutionary War by the Continental Army officers who fought the war of which George Washington was one of the founders. The Society of the Cincinnati is composed of one hereditary male descendent of each of those original officers. Phil is a fifth-generation grandson of Lt. Col. Caleb North, an original member. The purpose of the society is to perpetuate those early friendships, work to sustain the ideals of those who fought, be of assistance for the less fortunate, and to educate every generation that freedom was obtained at a high price. Phil was proud of this heritage but never high minded or boastful.The values of The Society were the roots to his life of helping others.

Phil attended The Haverford School and sang in the choir at both Haverford and the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church.It is there where he developed his passion for music, poetry, and history.Mount Desert Island Maine was a special place for Phil, and his dedication to a life of service started there, working summers at the Claremont Hotel as a teen.

Phil was a 1983 graduate of The Cornell University School of Hotel Administration.During his student days he was a member of the Cornell Glee Club, President of the Hangovers A Capella singing group, a member of Delta Chi fraternity, and nominated into the Quill and Dagger Senior Honorary Society, and remained very actively involved with all these organizations over the years.

His early career included roles with Hyatt Hotels, the Related Companies.Phil then moved to Guatemala to become a hotel manager in the Central American Highlands.He then went on to Kenya as operations manager of a safari camp.

In 1993, he returned to Cornell and spent 11 happy years as the Hotel School’s Director of Alumni Affairs and Secretary of its alumni association, the Cornell Hotel Society. Phil assisted the School’s 11,000 students and alumni in all aspects of their careers and encouraged their lifelong interaction with Cornell. He was the Executive Editor of the alumni magazine, supervised the operations of more than 60 alumni chapters worldwide, directed the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, and assisted one of the most active alumni associations in the world in its evolution from a print-based to an online organization. Under Phil’s leadership, the Society’s alumni engagement reached an all-time high.

Phil was also successful in his own entrepreneurial ventures.He founded and managed Philippus Miller III & Associates, a premier executive search firm in the hospitality industry.He was also a founder and a senior leader at Paramount Lodging Advisors, one of the fastest growing hotel real estate advisory firms.

His deep ties to Cornell University and the Hotel School continued until his passing as he was actively involved with students, faculty, and alumnae. Phil served as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Cornell Hotel School's Pillsbury Institute for Entrepreneurship, and secretary and former president of the Cornell Hotel Society Foundation

Phil was the consummate “Hotelie,” having dedicated most of his life to the university and hospitality industry.

Phil was a vibrant and active man, always ready with a smile, a firm handshake, and a story. He was a relentlessly energetic and positive force of nature. He was always up for an adventure or new experience, especially when it involved good food, travel, and meeting new people. Phil was a loving figure who believed in the greatness of people and their abilities. That he had so many true friendships and touched so many lives is a testament to his genuine interest in helping and serving others. Phil appreciated the nuances of life, always choosing to be persistently and relentlessly positive, radiating good cheer.

He lived by a very consistent code of morality, ethics, and perfect manners, and always set a standard to be admired. He was a gentleman. It takes a special person to elevate the school, build bridges, and nurture such a wide and diverse group of people around the globe.

“Phil” comes from the Greek verb meaning to love and no one embodied this more than Phil. He loved his family, friends, colleagues, and life and will remain forever in our hearts.

A celebration of Phil’s life is being planned for Friday, August 30th at 3pm at Sage Chapel with a reception to follow. Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Cornell Hotel Society by clicking this link: https://cornellhotelsociety.com/philippus-miller-i...or mailing a check to: Cornell Hotel Society, c/o Susan Boyle-Wood, 1670 Beulah Road, Vienna, VA 22182. Please note “Philippus Miller III Memorial Fund” on the check. Send any questions to susan@cornellhotelsociety.com At a later date, Yasamin will determine how to allocate these contributions to support Hotel students in the most appropriate way to honor Phil.

Tributes can be posted at this online memorial: http://philmiller.forevermissed.com

Tributes

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February 14

Yasamin and family,
I lived next door to Phil our freshman year in the dreary "U Halls" at Cornell. Fall quarter we entered the nearby student union's talent show: 15 freshmen in boxer shorts and neckties and winter boots singing "Take Me Home Country Roads" as Phil played the guitar masterfully and sang beautifully. No idea why we wore that. I think we were trying to mock the glee club ethos???
These were not choristers, yet by bringing out his guitar, Phil led singalongs in his dorm room, which is just really hard to imagine if you know how cynical and cranky this bunch was. Thinking back on it, that signing together was Phil energy and it was one of the things that bonded us all.
I'm so sorry for your loss.

May 8, 2021

PHIL WAS A GREAT GUY.
MAY HE REST IN PEACE

May 18, 2020

To me, Phil was the ultimate Preppy: patrician in his demeanor, consistent in his wasp clothing, and immediately recognizable for his hair style that never, ever changed. His formidable height allowed him to “manage” a room like nobody ever did before. The ultimate gentleman, he knew exactly what to say before politely leaving you to meet someone else. Phil had what it takes to make a fine executive recruiter: eyes in the back of his head. Many people look without seeing, Phil always saw. Especially when you thought he did not. Phil was a dedicated hero to his Alma Mater. He came from one of those families where education and Ivy League mean something. I miss you, Philippus. Oh, one more thing: did anyone ever see Phil without his incredible smile?

December 26, 2019

Phil has been a true embodiment of a hotelie!! His warmth, dedication and passion for Cornell was one of a kind!! He has left a lasting legacy and will be sorely missed!! On a personal note, he played a crucial role in shaping my career and for which I am immensely grateful!! To Yasamin and the entire family, my heartfelt condolences!!

October 20, 2019

Yasmin -

I am extremely saddened to hearing of Phil's passing. He was someone I always looked forward to seeing during visits to Ithaca. He was a very special person and he will be sorely missed by so many. My sincere condolences to you and the rest of Phil's family and friends. Ruth (Hotel '81)

September 6, 2019

For all of Phil's extraordinary creative talents, academic achievements and hospitality industry business acumen, none were more powerfully evident and appreciated than his wonderful sense of fun in a world of seriousness, and his awareness and inclusion of the little guy. He had an outstanding way of making everyone, from the top executive to the inexperienced student, feel acknowledged, appreciated, important and heard. Phil, you were a great role model for success.

September 1, 2019

Phil was an exceptional, wonderful human. So caring, so friendly, and a model Hotelie by every measure. Count me among the many who will miss him dearly. I am so sad that I will not see him again. His presence lifted you up and reminded you what being a Hotelie is all about.

I learned so much from Phil and in getting to know him at school, gained a friend and colleague for life. You could always count on him. Phil was always there for you, even when you may have least expected it. Just a few days before his passing, I got an e-mail from him on my birthday, just when I hadn't been in touch for a while. He looked forward to a visit, and noted it had been too long.

From time to time, Phil would come through town and make a point of seeing you. I will always remember the time he went way out of his way, and took the LA subway (which nobody takes) from Downtown to come see me at UCLA, on the West side. Not that he had to do it, he just wanted to. He made you feel cared about; he was an authentic, genuine, dear friend.

Thank you Phil Miller. RIP.

August 30, 2019

Yasmin,

I am so sorry for your lost and I will truly miss his honesty and knowledge that he was willing to share. He was such a great person. He has touch so many of us and he will always be in our memories.

August 29, 2019

Phil will be forever a part of our history. He was there at the Nines when my husband and I met on our first date in 1983 - a blind date - and Phil was the one person we knew in common at the start: Mark from Glee Club, myself from being The Hangovers' biggest fangirl and Daily Sun personal pal. Phil always had a warm smile and a big heart, and everyone was enriched from knowing him. Reunions will never be the same. I will miss you, my dear classmate.

August 28, 2019

Philippus Miller. What a wonderful embodiment of everything Hotelie's strive for. Phil lived positively...with joy. He lived to be of service. He was a true champion of hospitality in all that he embraced. His sudden and totally unexpected departure...one more way he taught us to seize the day. Love and support to Yasamin at this very challenging time.

August 25, 2019

Phil and I were 13-year "lifers" at the Haverford School. Phil was hard-working, smart, cheerful, smiling, and fun-loving. This is sad news.

August 24, 2019

During these times when many of us who love the Cornell Hotel School have frequently been asked what is different about the Hotel School and what makes Hotelies special, one could look to Phil as the epitome of the answer. Gone way too soon, but perhaps there is some solace in knowing that a life that touched so many in such a positive way was a life well-lived. Rest In Peace my friend - you will never be forgotten by those of us who knew and loved you. Yasamin, you are in our thoughts and prayers, and we wish you peace during this difficult period of mourning.

August 22, 2019

Dear Yasamin and Family,

It is with deepest sympathy and sorrow that I express the shock and great sadness I feel of Phil's sudden passing. I have known Phil for so many years as the Rock of Gibraltar, perfect gentleman and the kindest of souls. A great stalwart for all matters Cornell especially for all of us--Hotelies. Always , always, a smiling (beaming smile) face, and a kind considerate and thoughtful word.Always supportive and helpful at all times. Phil will be so greatly missed at this trying time as we try to come to terms with his passing. G-dspeed Yasamin.

August 20, 2019

Yasamin,

We were stunned and saddened to read the online Journal notice of Phil’s death while we’re out of the country. We remember seeing him, as vibrant as always, at the recent neighborhood parry. Our deepest sympathy to you and all of those who love Phil.

Marj and Bob

August 20, 2019

Life is such a precious gift....and so was Phil. We worked together at Cornell University and he was always a pleasure to work with. After Cornell, he shared a hug whenever I saw him around Ithaca. A very special man who will be greatly missed.
With deepest sympathy,
Marty

August 19, 2019

Phil - you were always there for me to help out with recruiting or anything CHS. You are the truest embodiment of hotelie spirit, and you will be tremendously missed.

August 19, 2019

Phil, some 13 years ago in Cairo I was delighted see your friendly familiar face at the Cornell EMEA meeting. We quickly connected and had the best weekend with you and Yasamin, Candy and Ali. In the years since and as recent as this spring in Cannes, I always looked forward to seeing you all and spending time together. There are few hotelies, and few people in general who are as engaging (and engaged!) as you are. The CHS community is collectively in mourning. You will always be remembered and honoured and I thank you for always being supportive to me personally. My sincere condolences to Yasamin and all of the family. Thinking of you all.

August 19, 2019

To Phil’s family: I have run across many people in business and in particular in the crazy hotel business and Phil was a very special guy. Phil managed to carve out such a special place for himself in our world of connecting amazing people in need with amazing people of talent. He clearly influenced many students and professionals alike. I knew Phil mainly professionally and am heartbroken for your loss of such a wonderful man. A true man’s man of really outstanding character. There are not many people like that and Phil was one of them. I will miss him and his constant calls with ideas and even his whether reporting from Ithaca!

Phil was One in a Million, now one with God.

August 16, 2019

Yael and I are shocked by this news. We've been away and only just heard of this today and cannot fathom this as a reality. Whenever we met Phil, he was so full of life, generosity, and warmth. He was such a sharing and giving person--which makes this tragedy so incongruent. His voice, his humor, his unassuming charm was a wonderful combination of intellect, street smarts, and a dash of the New England debonair. Yasamin, the last time Yael and I had an occasion to spend time with you and Phil was at your home in Ithaca. A lovely house, filled very much with your shared passion for life. We cannot even imagine, Yasamin, how terribly difficult this void is for you. We wish you the blessings, strength, and peace that you so well deserve.
Best, Sam & Yael Bacharach

August 14, 2019

Dear Yasamin:

My most sincere condolences to you and your family. I hope that you are doing the best that you can under the circumstances. I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Phil's passing, way too early at age 58. If there is anything that I can do to help you, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Phil and I were both born in 1960. He and I were at the Hotel School at the same time, although I am Class of '82. For many years in the 1990's and early 2000's, when Phil was in charge of the Cornell Hotel Society, we spoke frequently and met regularly during my presidency of the Northern California Chapter of CHS, and later as the regional Vice President Pacific Northwest and Hawaii for CHS. Phil was always, without fail, supportive, polite, and enthusiastic. He always followed through on any promise. Working with him was a complete pleasure. I recall when he married you and how much he loved you and "his" new son!

While you will never be "cured" from the loss of Phil and you will never be the same being that you were when he was alive, I trust that you will not forever be bereft in grief as you are now. A larger world will present itself, I am sure, and it may take the picture frame of a sudden expansion and deeper understanding of the many ways, and significant ways, that Phil touched so many of us. And in that expanded presence, and with the knowledge that your family and your friends are here to support you, Phil will be in the world in that presence, but while still absent. A more shadowed world, perhaps, but a more luminous world, too, because of his many contributions.

Best regards, Kenneth Kuchman, Greenbrae, California.

August 14, 2019

Dear Yasamin and family,
We are deeply saddened and shocked about Phil's untimely passing. We remember him as a fun-loving and delightful friend who was always so much fun to be around. We send you our love, prayers, and heartfelt condolences as you go through this difficult time. His light will shine forever.
Sending you our love, Rhoda and Michael Meador

August 14, 2019

Yasmin - we are shocked and saddened to learn of Phil’s passing. Although we bought in Sea Oaks in 2013, Phil was always friendly and engaging. He was always willing to engage in strategic discussions with us on our Sea Oaks Tennis Villas. We will miss seeing him at the yearly Members Weekend in November. We thank you for sharing him with us and you are forever in our prayers. We hope to see you and share our stories in person. Much love ❤️

August 14, 2019

Very, very sad. My sincere condolences to Yasamin and those closest to Phil. Certainly, the memory of his genuine interest in others, welcoming smile and quick wit will endure. Very grateful for Phil’s contribution to elevating MMH student attitudes around a professional job search and his help in driving placement rates up into the 90’s…and always with a smile…will always be appreciated. On behalf of the students/now alumni, thank you Phil! Consummate “life is service” Hotelie. Will be deeply missed and remembered by many around the world.

August 14, 2019

Ren and I are both shocked and saddened by this devastating news. Phil was always smiling, so full of life and our family looked forward to seeing him. He was so genuine and caring, and his story telling was legendary.

Our condolences to Yasamin and the entire family. xoxo

August 14, 2019

The news of his sudden passing is truly sad and shocking. I remember Phil was a frequent attendee at CHS Asia Pacific Regional Conferences and my impression was that he was such a dedicated hotelie. And I cannot imagine how difficult time his wife Yasamin and his family are having now. I do miss him a lot and would like to convey my deepest condolences to Yasamin.
Chiaki Tanuma

August 14, 2019

Dear Yasamin and family,
I am a cousin and really feel your sense of sudden loss and sadness. I send you love and blessings on a life well lived and loved.
Love,
Peg Adamson

August 14, 2019

Yasamin, Bill and I were shocked to learn of Phil's premature death. We last saw you both having dinner with the Vohras at the Heights. My memories of Phil go way back from our years of working at Cornell. He seemed to be perpetually smiling and that is how I will remember him. Thinking of you.

August 13, 2019

I am saddened to hear of Phil's passing. While I did not know Phil well, I knew him for more than 30 years. Phil was the quintessential Hotelie...positive with a desire to assist. The first definition of the word "hospitable" on Google is "friendly and welcoming to visitors or guests". When I think of Phil the term "hospitable" comes to mind. Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss. Dan Lesser' 79

August 13, 2019

Yasamin, we are so terribly sorry for your loss. Phil was a colleague but, more importantly, a friend. We mourn his untimely passing. Just a few months ago we enjoyed dinner together. We now treasure that last meeting. No words can express the sorrow we feel for you, Yasamin, and for the rest of Phil’s family. We wish you peace.

August 13, 2019

Much like a few others' tributes, I too had occasion to communicate with Phil during the course of my career. He was always, always gracious about giving advice and occasional networking if asked. I was in the Class of 76, and got to know him as my career (and his) moved forward. He was one of those "nice guys in a business". And yes, he was always true and sincere in wanting to help. Phil passed all too soon and sudden. However, we helped many hotelies along the way.

August 13, 2019

This is such tragic and sad news. Phil was such a positive spirit - and was always a ton of fun to be around. He was ever present during the AASRO / AAPOR trips. My heart aches for Yasamin and the family - may you find solace during this time together.

August 13, 2019

Yasamin, your AASRO/AAPOR family is heartbroken about Phil's untimely passing. As so many of the tributes have said, he was a very special person who touched so many lives. May your memories bring you comfort, and may time bring you peace.

August 13, 2019

It was very shocked and sad when I heard of Phil's passing yesterday. Phil connected so many young students with right professionals in his life, with his genuine passion and kindness -- I was luckily one of them.
I knew Phil in December, 2015 through the Models of Excellence in Business Presentation Competition of SHA. Phil was one of the judges of the competition and I was the winner of that year. After the competition, Phil came to introduce himself and told me that he was impressed by my speech and the fact that I am a non-native speaker. He told me that I should feel proud of myself. That day was the last class day of my college time, winning the competition with such encouragement definitely made a memorable moment.
Phil then asked me about my plan after graduation. I told him that I still haven't decided, and that I will be in Hong Kong for a while after leaving the town. Phil then found a time for coffee with me before I left. He searched through the alumni dictionary and found a few alumni in Hong Kong whom he thought can help me figure out the right opportunity -- One of them turned out to be the one who referred me to my first job. I will always remember that it was Phil helping me greatly on my first step of professional life.
I didn't know that being one of the finalists of the competition would make me know Phil and lead me to such a journey, neither do I know that Phil would leave us in such a sudden. Life is so unpredictable in most of the gain and loss.
Talking about Phil yesterday with another SHA people, we both recalled that he always tell us to reach out to hotelies around the world and be the hotelie ambassador. I think the best way to show our memory of him is to keep doing so.
Hope this note brings my condolence to Phil's family too. He will be missed.

Violet Chen'16

August 13, 2019

Phil was a true Hotelie and one of a kind. Phil always listened with grace and humor. He had a great ability to hone in on the person and fully understand what was said and not said. He was so genuine - the people and the possibility of all things. I'll miss seeing him at all the Cornell gatherings. He will truly be missed. Monica '99

August 13, 2019

I was stunned when I read the e-mail from the Hotel School telling me Phil had passes away. In the 90s while at the Rezidor head office I was invited to guest lectures at the school and Phil and I made a point of touching base with each others. He was always such a positive person, generous with his time and helpful in whatever issue to be dealt with. For us international graduates he was a tremendous representative of the alumni organizations and the school. A standing example that hospitality is not a job but a calling.
John F. Monhardt, MPS 85

August 13, 2019

Dear Phil,
I hope you read these words wherever you are. We graduated together, and over the years we kept in contact. Sometimes the intervals were long, sometimes shorter - but you always remembered. No matter when we talked, you were always helpful, supportive encouraging - and it was always fun to catch up and hear what was happening on the hill or exchanging news on the newest developments in the industry.
You left us too early - your kindness will always be remembered.
To your family - I wish you much strength. My thoughts are with you.

August 12, 2019

So I am now retired however my paths crossed a few times with Phil during a few job searches ; he was always kind and professional in every regard ; I am so sorry for your loss he was a wonderful beautiful human being and the utmost professional in our industry

August 12, 2019

Sorry to hear of Phil's passing. I was shocked to hear of it today. I knew Phil for almost 30 years. I saw him often at events, and during my MBA years on the Hill as well. He was a Hotelie's Hotelie and they even gave him the url to prove it. He was the best Alumni Affairs director I ever had, and really helped connect me to a lot of people. I saw him a few times over the last two summers. I'll write about it in the stories. Jasmin, sorry for your loss. We all loved Phil but not as much as you. -Michael Clouser aka "Spaghetti", Hotel BS 90, MBA 99

August 12, 2019

Yasmin, I am so very sorry for this sad news! Phil was always generous with his time, his ideas, his feedback, and his heart. I worked closely with him at the beginning of my career, witnessing first hand his mentoring of newly graduated Hotelies, guiding them through the incredible network that is Cornell. He connected graduates with me so often that I wondered why he didn't go into search - and of course he did! What a wonderfully wide web of leaders he brought together, and what an incredibly decent human being he always was. The world is a little less bright with his loss.

August 12, 2019

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Phil! I have known him for close to 10 years and he placed me for a role with my former company a few years ago. I finally got the opportunity to meet him in person in NYC last year. His upbeat and genuine personality is something I will never forget. He was passionate about the Hotel School and connected and helped so many students and alumni along the way. Phil, you will be missed!

August 12, 2019

Phil was an inspirational person - always positive, happy and helpful. He was the definition of Hotelie and will be greatly missed by the entire community. Jasamin - I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss him at events - I always looked forward to catching up and hearing about all of those special Hotelies I hadn't seen in a while (as he was so good at remaining in communication with everyone). I will strive to greet everyone with a warm smile and hug in honor of Phil. Sarah Perkins Latimer '05.

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February 14

May 8, 2021

PHIL WAS A GREAT GUY.
MAY HE REST IN PEACE

May 18, 2020

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Gallery

The late 70's/early 80's Alumni Hangovers after the Treman Concert (June 8, 2019)

Cheering to 1st job, February 2019 - Aleksa, Mira, Phil and Yasamin

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The Cousin who Wasn't a Cousin (sort of)

August 16, 2019

Dear Yasamin, Geordie called me this morning, to tell me about your loss of Phil. As you know and are hearing from people all over the world, he was a great fun guy, with no mean bones in his body. Always a smile. We used to joke around because he always called me a cousin. Well, sort of but not really. Sea Oaks in Vero Beach is going to miss him. He was a productive member of the Board of Directors of The Tennis Villas.
As for me, I've known him for year and you too... God has him now and I don't know whether it's a better place of not, but I do know that he will make it an even better place.
All my love and Hugs
Polly

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