Larry Michael Miller
DECEMBER 13, 1943 – JULY 20, 2023
In the Care of Farewell Funeral Service – Palm Bluff

On Thursday, July 20, 2023, Larry Michael Miller, MD, of Fresno, California, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
He was 79 years of age.

Larry was loved and amazing in so many ways.  He was devoted to his family, to his community, to his many causes, and to his patients he provided care for throughout the Central Valley.  His desire to help others, his largess, his sense of humor, and his love of life touched so many he encountered.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Finkelstein, a decorated World War II veteran who died serving his country; Roann Miller; and Nathan Miller.
Born on December 13, 1943 in Los Angeles, California, Larry was raised in Stockton, CA and Portland, Oregon with his two siblings, Steven and Daniel Miller.

He graduated from Lewis & Clark and the University of Oregon Medical School and moved to Fresno in 1968 for a one-year internship, returning to Portland for his residency and fellowship.  In 1969, Larry married his beloved life partner, Carol Lesman, and they welcomed their firstborn son, Gregory, in 1971. In 1972, they moved to Fresno, California, where he joined the Pediatric Medical Group and later welcomed Matthew (1973) and Julie (1977).

A well-respected pediatrician, Larry approached life with his legendary drive to succeed, a realistic outlook and a sense of humor that would leave a smile on the faces of his patients and friends.

During his career, Larry sat on many committees and served as the Chief of Staff at Valley Children's Hospital, Medical Consultant to the California Children's Services - Kings County Unit, President of Pediatric Medical Group, President of Northwest Medical Group, and President of Congregation Beth Jacob.

Larry retired from Northwest Medical Group in January 2015 and joined the Sierra Hiking Seniors group, spending nearly every Monday exploring Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and other nearby trails. He was also actively involved with the Fresno Bridge Club and enjoyed traveling throughout the world with Carol.

He was also generous with his time and support for causes important to him, including volunteering with Angel Babies of Hinds Hospice and two kindergarten classes in Madera, CA.
Through these important efforts, he was guided by his unwavering beliefs that children were the most valuable treasure and family was a precious gift.

Admired in so many ways, Larry will always be remembered as a selfless man; lacking in ego; living his life to help others around him; and a fierce competitor when it came to a friendly game of cards or dominoes.

Larry is survived by his wife, Carol Miller; his son, Greg Miller and his wife Edith Chen of Evanston, Illinois; his son, Matthew Miller and his wife Melissa Miller of Washington, D.C.; his daughter, Julie Miller of Oakland, California; and grandchildren, Jonah Chen, Jake Miller, and Claire Miller.  He leaves behind two brothers, Steve Miller and Daniel Miller.

A private family service is being held, which will be followed by a Celebration of Life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made to Hinds Hospice or the Jewish Federation of Fresno.