Donald Joseph Miller, 95, of Fairfield and Jewett, N.Y., and formerly of Newtown, cherished husband of Carolyn Humphrey Miller, died peacefully March 14 at the Carolton Health Care Center. He was born in Bridgeport, and was a son of the late Charles and Bertha Jennings Miller.

He grew up in Easton and attended the University of Connecticut, but left to join the Army to serve as an artillery instructor, then as a paratrooper instructor with the 101st Airborne in World War II. He was honorably discharged with the rank of captain.

On his return, he lived in Newtown and ran his own excavating business, well into his 90s.

A perfect day for Mr Miller was a day spent on his tractor on his property in Jewett. He was a man with many interests, and particularly enjoyed being a hobbyist beekeeper and a member of the Catskill Mountain Beekeepers. He was a Mason, and was a past Master at Hiram Lodge #5 in Sandy Hook. For many years, Mr Miller served as an Elder in The Jewett Presbyterian Church.

A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he will be remembered for his smile and the twinkle in his eye. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his wife, his daughter, Judith Mellen Slosson, and her husband Lonnie, of Westport; his daughters-in-law Effie Miller of Marlton, N.J., and Jane Miller of Fayetteville, N.C.; his grandchildren, D.J. Mellen of Newtown, Donald W. Miller, and his wife Lanette, of York, Penn., Theresa Hall, and her husband Richard, of Fayetteville, N.C., Trisha Wielosynski and Everett Miller, both of Marlton, N.J.; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandsons; and several nieces and nephews survive Mr Miller. His first wife, Pat Miller; his son Robert W. Miller; his brother Charles "Bob" Miller; two great-grandchildren; and a granddaughter-in-law, Donna Mellen, predeceased him.

Funeral services will take place Saturday, March 19, at 11 am, directly at the Trinity Baptist Church, 300 North Benson Road, Fairfield. Interment with full military honors will take place at 4 pm, in the Newtown Village Cemetery, Elm Drive, Newtown. Calling hours will take place Friday, March 18, from 4 to 8 pm, in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield Center.

Memorial donations may be made to the Jewett Presbyterian Church, PO Box 87, Jewett NY 12444.

To sign an online register visit www.leskopolkefuneralhome.com.