Richard P. “Rick” Miller

Beloved Father, Husband, Son, Brother

Richard P. Miller was born on May 14, 1952, in Boston, Massachusetts to Joan N. Miller and the late Prescott Thompson.  He was later raised by his mother and stepfather, John W. Miller in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Boston, Massachusetts. Called “Ricky” by his family and Rick by his friends, he attended Boston Public Schools and graduated from Copley Square High School in 1971, where he met his future wife.  He went on to study Sociology and Psychology at Suffolk University in Boston.

In his life Rick worked a range of jobs:  from being a farrier and trail leader at a horseback riding stable in Forest Hills, to driving a school bus for METCO, to coach tours around New England and neighboring states.  In 1978, he joined the Massachusetts State Police and married Verna (Towle). After leaving the State Police in 1995, he re-entered the transportation field, this time driving trucks of all types. He drove tractor trailer units across the country, until 2000 when he and Verna adopted their daughter, Juliana. At that time, he decided to “come off the road” and worked locally. The following year, they adopted Juliana’s brother, Joshua, and Rick’s life and focus changed – he was the most devoted father and everything he did was for the benefit of his family.  His love for his family was unwavering and was extended to include his mother and stepmother and all his siblings, cousins and their families. We all knew we could count on him for help and advice in many areas.

Rick retired in October 2018, shortly before he became ill. He was diagnosed with cancer December 2018 and began treatment in January 2019. In March, his health began to decline, and he was hospitalized in Brigham and Women’s hospital. He fought his illness bravely, until he succumbed on April 26, 2019.

In addition to his wife Verna, Rick is survived by his children, Juliana and Joshua, all of Hyde Park, his mother, Joan N. Miller of Boston; his sisters Karen L. Miller-Crosby of Dorchester, MA and Linda J. Thompson of Baltimore, MD; his brothers Dr. Jon S. Miller, of Chocowinity, NC, Preston R. Thompson of Worcester, MA and Harry G. Thompson of Dorchester, MA and his stepmother, Marilyn J. Thompson of Dorchester, MA. He was predeceased by his brother, Steven M. Thompson of Randolph, MA. He is also survived by many aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, sisters-in law and brothers-in-law, cousins and friends.