March 23, 1958—Aug. 27, 2009

WHEATFIELD —Michael J. Miller of Wheatfield, executive director of Preservation Buffalo Niagara and a longtime advocate of historic preservation, died Thursday in his home after suffering an apparent heart attack. He was 51.

Born in Buffalo, Mr. Miller was a 1976 graduate of Kenmore West High School and was employed by M&TBank for more than 17 years.

Mr. Miller served as president and was co-founder of Broadway-Fillmore Alive.

“I owe Mike so much,” Christopher Byrd, another founder of Broadway-Fillmore Alive, wrote on the organization’s Web site. “He was a confidant and friend. He loved the neighborhood. He always pointed me in the right direction with his advice.”

Mr. Miller was an active volunteer and leader for the Central Terminal Restoration Corp. and was recently named its president.

He also recently joined Preservation Buffalo Niagara as its executive director, fulfilling a lifelong passion to work full-time in historic preservation.

“He brought significant professional skills, a wonderful spirit and enthusiasm to the organization as well as an extensive network of friends,” Catherine Schweitzer, chairwoman of the organization’s board, said in a statement. “Through his dedicated service to the Central Terminal and Broadway-Fillmore area, Michael earned the trust and respect of the preservation community.”

An avid car enthusiast, Mr. Miller also enjoyed studying architecture and photography.

Survivors include his mother, Rita, and two sisters, Karen Smith and Katie Travis.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p. m. Tuesday in the Central Terminal, 495 Paderewski Drive.