Cynthia Miller, wife of Detroit Lions announcer Dan Miller, dies at 63
Cynthia Miller, the wife of Detroit Lions play-by-play announcer Dan Miller, died Saturday, Oct. 10, at age 63, according to an obituary by L.J. Griffith Funeral Home.
The couple met while the former Cynthia Biondi was a radio producer at the Westwood One Network, and were married 33 years, the memorial said. Mrs. Miller was a staple at Lions games, and could be found sitting in the fifth row behind the team’s bench, the funeral home said.
Jason Benetti, the play-by-play announcer for the Detroit Tigers, is filling in for Dan Miller during the radio call of the Detroit Lions’ game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Oct. 11.
“Our thoughts are with Dan right now, all weekend, and for the future, with the loss of his wife of 33 years, Cindy, a couple of days ago,” Benetti said on Sunday’s broadcast. “Dan is one of the most remarkable people I have met in my time in Detroit. One of the most sincere human beings you can possibly dream of. A fantastic voice of the Lions for more than two decades.”
Mrs. Miller was born Oct. 3, 1963, in Falls Church, Virginia, to Roy and the late Valerie Biondi, the obituary said.
“Cindy had a way of lighting up any room she entered,” the memorial said. “Charismatic, funny, fearless, and full of life, she was someone people were naturally drawn to. Her warmth and accepting nature made everyone feel comfortable and included, while her fierce loyalty and protective spirit left no doubt about how deeply she loved those closest to her.”
After graduating from the University of Maryland in 1985, Mrs. Miller embarked on a career as a news producer. She worked in the industry for 10 years, the funeral home said.
“It was while working at Westwood One Radio Network that she met Dan, beginning a beautiful love story that would span more than three decades,” the obituary said. “Their wedding day was especially memorable, taking place during a historic snowstorm that blanketed the DMV with 20 inches of snow. Later in life, Cindy brought her warmth, energy, and caring heart into the classroom, spending five years as a preschool teacher.”
Mrs. Miller had four children, Sammi (Brendan) Burdette, Rikki Miller, Tony (Viona Veseli) Miller, and Robbie Miller; and had two grandchildren, Daphne and Cecilia. Siblings were Gino (Lisa) Biondi, Steve (Marissa) Biondi, and Julie (Chris) Griffin.
A lifelong animal lover, Mrs. Miller fostered multiple cats, including Marvin; and a 17-year-old adopted dog, Martha.
Hobbies included crocheting, shopping, reading, working on puzzles, attending concerts, and listening to music, including her favorite band, The Killers.
“Cindy also loved her Lions,” the funeral home obituary said. “The team was part of the fabric of her family and she loved attending every game, 5th row right behind the team’s bench. Some of her best memories were attending the two home playoff games with her daughters in 2024. Her family knows that she will be there in spirit when the Lions win it all.”
A memorial gathering is scheduled from 3-6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, at the L.J. Griffin Funeral Home, Northrop-Sassaman Chapel, 19091 Northville Road at Seven Mile Road in Northville. A funeral service is to follow at 6 p.m., with a memorial dinner nearby afterward.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Leptomeingeal Cancer Foundation in Mrs. Miller’s name.
