John H. Miller

John H. Miller of Wethersfield, beloved husband for 68 years to the late Anita (Ferola) Miller, passed away peacefully at home on September 20, 2023 surrounded by his loving children. He was born on September 11, 1930 in New Britain, son of the late John B. and Mary (Becker) Miller, grew up in the South End of Hartford and graduated from Bulkeley High School. He was a graduate of Trinity College, Phi Beta Kappa, and earned his Civil Engineering degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Following graduation from RPI John married Anita, his high school sweetheart and love of his life.

John’s career spanned over six decades as a Professional Engineer, notably as a founding principle and president of Close, Jensen and Miller, a Civil Engineering consulting firm based in Wethersfield, CT. He was an active voice on many professional boards and associations including the National and Connecticut Societies of Professional Engineers, National Institute of Building Sciences, Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers and Connecticut Association of Land Surveyors. The firm started as a small land surveying firm (F. Perry Close and Associates) 97 years ago and grew to deliver comprehensive land planning, highway design, bridge design and transportation infrastructure improvements, receiving numerous awards.

A kind and generous gentleman, he showed deep loyalty and commitment to his friends, employees, community, and family. John and Anita were beloved pillars in the community. They supported countless causes, organizations, youth sports teams, and touched the lives of many. His witty one-liners made people laugh out loud, and he had a sweet tooth that often made desserts the main course.

John was a GOP stalwart for decades at the local and national levels. He served as Wethersfield Town Chairman, and on the State Central and Republican National Committees. Motivated by his love of country, he thrived on doing what he felt was best for the community, voicing his views at public meetings, and strategizing, advising, and tallying results. He earned the respect, trust and admiration of many and was honored as a recipient of the Prescott Bush Award. John persuaded many to get involved, and was a mentor and trusted advisor on numerous campaigns at all levels. A man of his word, he was respected, often loved by friends on the opposite side of the aisle.

John’s record of public service extended far beyond his professional career and politics into charities and volunteer organizations. He served on the Advisory Board of the Boy Scouts of America, was a Director of the Connecticut Humane Society, a member of the Capital Region Planning Agency, Connecticut Audubon Society, and a Wethersfield Little League coach. His contributions were recognized through citizen awards such as Person of the Year from the Business and Civic Association, Wethersfield Irish Person of the Year, and Wethersfield Sports Hall of Fame.

John’s interests and talents were numerous. He was an Eagle Scout, lifelong birdwatcher and methodical gardener. Every year he raised a giant vegetable garden, and loved sharing his tomatoes and vegetables for friends to enjoy. He fed and watched birds at home year-round, occasionally spotting a great blue heron. He was a big Red Sox and UConn sports fan, attending games for decades. He frequently carried his radio in his pocket, keeping up with the action even during public hearings and Broadway shows.

John lived a full, accomplished, happy life and was truly grateful for all the people he met and relationships he built along his journey. Most of all he loved family gatherings and celebrating birthdays and holidays together with family and friends. He and Anita shared a very special love for each other, and for their family.

John was a devout catholic, and a member of Christ the King Parish. He leaves behind his children, Ann Brickley, Nancy Davis (Jim) and John Miller II (Lisa), all of Wethersfield, six grandchildren, David Brickley, Robert Brickley, Laura Davis, Susan Davis, Regina Miller and Margaret Miller, nieces and nephews, including his adoring niece Barbara Whalen. He was predeceased by his sister, Marilyn Whalen.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating John’s life will be held Friday, September 29 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, September 28 from 4-6 p.m. at D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. The burial service will be private. The family is grateful for the loving care he received at home from his caregivers. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John’s name to The CT Humane Society, http://cthumane.org/ 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111. To share a memory, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com