David B. Waters, executive director of Community Servings, which serves meals to Boston residents with AIDS, recalled the time and energy Miller invested in community service.

“He believed that food brings people together, and heals both body and soul,” he said.

Dean of the Extension School Michael Shinagel referred to Miller as a “gentle giant” and “the Collosus of haute-cuisine of Harvard.”

“By his presence and by his example, Mike Miller reminded us that food is love,” he said.

Between renditions of

“Amazing Grace” and Sarah McLaughlin’s “Angel,” rememberances by Miller’s friends and colleagues were read by HUDS Executive Director Ted A. Mayer and Director of Residential Dining Rosemary McGahey.

The readings touched on Miller’s booming laughter, generous spirit and “huge bear hugs.”

Nearly all the eulogies mentioned that Harvard was Miller’s life—he wore Harvard jackets, caps and apparel even on the weekends—and that his co-workers and students were family to him.

“If there is a dining services in heaven, I know Michael is running it,” read one rememberance.

The congregation left the service—with several moist tissues left in the pews—for a reception in Winthrop House.

Miller was a “meat and potatoes kind of guy,” McNitt said, and accordingly the reception featured a carving station with tenderloin and lamb and a mashed potato bar “done in a way that he just loved.”

Although Miller was born on Christmas Day, friends said his favorite holiday was the Fourth of July. McNitt said he would arrive at the Esplanade at 6 a.m. and listen to the music for the entire day. His favorite composer was John Phillips Sousa, she said.

As Miller’s friends and colleagues mingled in the Winthrop JCR yesterday, commemorating his life and eating his favorite foods, the orchestrations of Sousa wafted through the room.

—Staff writer Amit R. Paley can be reached at paley@fas.harvard.edu.