Walter Miller

Mr. Walter Miller, age 85, of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully Monday at the Baystate Medical Center from congestive heart failure. He was born in Nashua, New Hampshire on Oct. 31, 1933; the son of the late Joseph and Blanche (Janas) Miller Sr. He came to Pittsfield as a young boy and was educated in the local schools. A 1953 graduate of Pittsfield High School, Walt enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1954 and served as a Military Policeman until his honorable discharge on December 31, 1962. He was employed at the former General Electric Co. Ordnance Systems. Walt retired in 1991 with 33 years of service as a computer programmer.

Walt served as an official for all levels of both basketball and softball, including several youth, high school, college, and adult leagues. Amongst his many community activities and volunteering, he was a 30-year member of the Berkshire County Basketball Officials Association and served on its Board of Directors. Additionally, he was formally recognized by the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials for serving as a basketball rules interpreter and trainer. As a softball umpire, he was a member of the Berkshire County Softball Association and also was a Berkshire County volleyball official and member of its County Association as well. Walt was a member of the Pittsfield American Legion, Persip Post 68. He also served as a Sergeant in the City of Pittsfield Auxiliary Police.

Walt firmly believed in supporting all local youth sports and activities and was a huge fan of the New York Yankees, New York Giants, Boston Celtics, and University of Notre Dame athletics. He and his wife, Carolyn, enjoyed spending winters in Bradenton, FL where he attended Spring Training games for his beloved Yankees and for the Bradenton’s local team, the Pittsburgh Pirates. Additionally, he and Carolyn enjoyed meeting up with fellow Pittsfield and Berkshire County residents while in Florida.

He and his wife of 58 years, the former Carolyn U. Marchisio, were married in the former Mt. Carmel Church on May 7, 1960.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three daughters, Donna Kasala and her husband James of Dalton, Sue Ramsdell and her husband Kevin of Pittsfield, and Karen Nicholson and her husband Lance of Pittsfield. Walt is also survived by his 7 grandchildren: Shane, Ryan, and Shauna Kasala; Amanda (Ramsdell) Butkiewicz and her husband Matthew, Allison Ramsdell; Rebecca and Rachel Nicholson as well as his great-granddaughter, Olivia Butkiewicz. He cherished spending time with his family especially his grandchildren whom he loved dearly. His brother, Joseph Miller, Jr. predeceased him.

MILLER, WALTER, age 85, of Pittsfield, passed away peacefully Monday, Dec. 10th. Calling hours at the DEVANNY-CONDRON FUNERAL HOME will be SUNDAY, Dec. 16th from 3 to 6 pm. Funeral services will be held MONDAY morning, Dec. 17th  from the funeral home beginning at 10:00 am followed with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at St. Agnes Church with the Rev. Christopher Malatesta, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the Pittsfield Girls Babe Ruth Softball League or to the Pittsfield High School Basketball and Baseball programs, both in care of the funeral home.