John 'Jack' Miller Sr., retired Suffolk police detective allegedly killed by his son, saluted at funeral Mass in Deer Park

Dozens of Suffolk County police officers and Wyandanch firefighters saluted the procession of fire trucks on Friday that carried the body of retired detective and former Fire Chief John "Jack" Miller Sr.

Former colleagues, friends and family bid farewell to Miller, 75, of Deer Park, during a funeral Mass held on Friday at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Roman Catholic Church in Deer Park.

Miller was killed March 19, following an argument with his son Christopher Miller at their Deer Park home where the son was living, authorities said.

Christopher Miller, 43, entered a plea of "not guilty by insanity" in court after being charged with second-degree murder. Police said he shot his father with a shotgun after an argument that followed a collision in Stony Brook the day before, when Christopher was taken to the hospital for injuries in the crash and his father reported him missing, police said.

Jack Miller’s son, John Miller, asked mourners during Friday’s service not to dwell on the events leading to his father’s death, but instead to honor the memory of his gregarious personality and dedication to the community.

"Let’s not let allow how my father died overshadow the memory of his life," John Miller said. "I can tell you with 100% certainty, he identified as a cop and he identified as a father. It in his DNA, that is was who he was."

Miller was born in Amityville and served as a volunteer firefighter and former chief of the Wyandanch Fire Department for 57 years, according to his obituary.

Miller was a former Suffolk County police homicide detective, who served 25 years with the department until he retired in 1995.

John Miller said he grew up in the firehouse and remembered his father for being a straight shooter, with strong opinions on politics, the fire service and the New York Jets. He recalled his father spending St. Patrick’s Day at his home, two days before his death, doting over his grandchildren. The next day he was attending a school event, John Miller said.

"He would always say, just tell me what you need," his son said. "So, let's remember the good things and special moments of his life."

The Rev. Martin "Mickey" Bancroft presided over the service, including blessing Miller’s coffin as it was led into the church. He tried to console mourners by preaching forgiveness as a way to find peace.

"Like what John said in the very beginning, we don't go back to the 'how,' it's not important," Bancroft said. "Forgive others, not because they deserve it, but because I deserve peace. You can't forgive anyone until you are truly at peace with yourself."

Jack Miller’s body was led out during a procession and loaded onto the back of a Wyandanch fire engine that was dressed in black and purple bunting.

Two Suffolk police helicopters flew over the church and bagpipes played, "Amazing Grace," while police and firefighters saluted the procession as it left for the cemetery.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.