He was born in Providence, RI, the son of the late Norman and Dorothy (Metz) Miller, and the eldest brother of siblings Howard and Gail. Don was a longtime resident of Providence, Newport, and Portsmouth, RI.
A graduate of Classical High School, Don received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan, and Master’s Degrees in history and economics from Brown University. He also completed coursework at the University of California at Los Angeles. For many years, Don was a successful university development officer, raising millions of dollars in funds for both the University of Michigan and Boston University.
Don was a world traveler and writer, visiting many countries on multiple continents. He had a special connection to the former Czechoslovakia. In 1967, he was a first-hand witness to the “Prague Spring” and, years later, had the opportunity to interview activist turned President of the Czech Republic Vaclav Havel. Throughout the 1990s, Don lived part-time in Slovakia.
Don had a passion for cats, and with the help of the Potter League, rescued three cats over his lifetime. He compiled many short stories about his animal companions into a book: Callie and Me.
Don was an avid swimmer and enjoyed regular swims at the Brown University pool when he resided in Providence.
Don had an eternally youthful spirit. His sister Gail referred to him as “Peter Pan”. He loved to tell stories and had a gift for striking up conversations with a wide variety of people. In his later years, he shared his stories with residents at senior care facilities.
He is survived by his sister Gail Sachs of Los Gatos, CA and brother Howard Miller of Warwick, RI, his niece Judy Goldman of Saratoga, CA, nephew Marc Meltzer of Marblehead, MA and nieces Luly Massaro, Anita Miller, and Lana Bonamino of Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Services will be private. Contributions in Don’s honor may be made to the Potter League, 87 Oliphant Ln., Middletown, RI 02842. To leave a note of condolence please visit, www.wilbur-romano.com.
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