John A. Miller Sr., 97

GLENDALE, Mass. — John A. "Sleep" Miller Sr., a lifelong resident of the Glendale section of Stockbridge, passed away on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, at home at the age on 97.

Born August 25, 1921, in New Haven, Conn., he was the son of Earle Leroy and Helen Maria (Adams) Miller. As an infant John moved with his mother and two older sisters to the Glendale section of Stockbridge to live with his grandparents, Peter I. and Nina Adams.

John attended the old Glendale School and was a 1939 graduate of the former Williams High School. He served many years as the Treasurer for the Williams High School Alumni Association. He attended his 78th class reunion last September.

John worked for his grandfather and uncle at the old Glendale Store and then at Chamberlain’s Motors in Housatonic before enlisting in the U.S. Army at the beginning of World War II. He served as a mechanic and ambulance driver in the European Theatre spending time in Stockbridge, England, as well as France, Germany and Austria. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and was a member of the American Legion for many years.

On August 6, 1949, John married the former Dorothea Alice Oppermann at the Interlaken Congregational Church. John and Dorothea celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2014. Dorothea predeceased him on November 6, 2014.

Following the war, John worked as a planner and lineman for General Electrics, retiring in 1982 with over 30 years of service, and was a member of the Quarter Century Club. He also spent time working at the Glendale Post Office with his mother and his wife. In 1963 he was appointed an Assessor in the town of Stockbridge. John enjoyed his work in the Assessor's Office and was a regular fixture at the Stockbridge Town Hall and later the Town Offices, making sure to make his rounds saying hello to all of his friends on the way to his office. He resigned his post in 2017 after 54 years of service.

In addition to serving his town and country, John served his community at large in many ways. He was a 65-year member and Past Master of Stockbridge Grange #295, a member of Berkshire South Pomona #25, the Massachusetts State Grange, and the National Grange. John was also a 65-year member and Past Master of Occidental Lodge A.F. & A.M. and had the privilege of raising his son-in-law and two grandsons into the craft. He was a Past Patron of the Wisdom Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, held membership in the Melha Shrine Temple in Springfield, where he was a founding member of the Hadji go-cart club, a member of the Berkshire Shrine Club, and member of both York and Scottish Rites. 

John was a volunteer fireman with the Glendale Fire Company from 1946 until his passing, with 72 years of membership and service, and was also a member of the Berkshire County Forest Wardens. He was also a longtime treasurer for the former Glendale Union Chapel Society, and the Stockbridge Golf Club.

John is survived by his son John A. Miller Jr., of Glendale; his daughter Lois A. Hall of Lee; four grandchildren, Joshua David Hall (Rebecca) of Pittsfield, Nathan S. Hall (Joanna) of Torrington, Conn., Allyson Fitzgerald (Todd) of Becket, and Daniel A. Miller-Grossman of Leverett; three great-grandsons, Andrew, Conor, and Jameson; and a large extended family.

John is predeceased by his parents; his wife Dorothea; sisters Helen E. Beebe and Margaret N. Schneyer; and son-in-law K. Craig Hall.

Funeral notice: Calling hours will be held at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington, Mass., on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, from 10 to 11 a.m., with the funeral service immediately following at 11 a.m. 

Memorial contributions may be made in John's memory to Occidental Lodge, Stockbridge Grange, or Shriner's Hospital in Springfield, Mass., through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.