Fred Miller
Sunderland, MA – In Loving Memory of Frederick William Wayne Miller
III, Sunderland
10/13/1946 09/11/2025
With sadness and love, we announce the passing of Frederick William
Wayne Miller III, a devoted husband, cherished father, esteemed
brother, doting grandfather, revered uncle, and proud son of Agawam,
who left us too soon on 09/11/2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Raised on Meadow Street in Agawam, Massachusetts, Fred (also called
Wayne) carried the spirit of his hometown with him wherever he went.
He often spoke fondly of his roots, telling many stories about the
families of Meadow Street, especially happy to celebrate their and his
Italian heritage. A proud graduate of Agawam High School, he was a
vital part of the school’s 1964 AA Conference Championship football
team-a time in his life that he remembered with pride, joy, and
brotherhood.
After high school, Fred earned his undergraduate degree from American
International College and later went on to earn his MBA from Western
New England University, continuing a lifelong commitment to learning,
leadership, and making a difference. During this time, he also met his
wife of 53 years, Una Petcen. Fred and Una built a beautiful, full
life together.
While earning his degrees, Fred joined the United States Marine Corps,
where he served his country with honor, discipline, and courage. He
was especially proud of attending Jungle Operations Training in
Panama. The values he learned in the Marines-integrity, resilience,
and service-defined the way he lived every day of his life.
Fred moved to Sunderland with his family in 1979, where he lived
happily for forty-one years. He served there as a fireman, during
which time he made timeless friendships and enjoyed many Clam Bakes
and Polka Fests.
Fred dedicated his career to running group homes for people with
disabilities, treating every individual with dignity, compassion, and
respect. He was a fierce advocate, changing lives not only through his
work but through the warmth and steadiness of his presence.
Beyond his professional and civic accomplishments, Fred was an avid
outdoorsman and hobby farmer who loved walking in the woods, cutting
down trees, planting clover, hunting, and fishing. He had a deep
connection with nature and an even deeper bond with dogs, always
sharing his life with a loyal four-legged companion. Fred also loved
to tell stories about his many adventures, some of which he shared
with his wife, Una, including trips to Ireland, Seattle, Alaska, New
Orleans, and Nova Scotia, and meeting Piero Barone of Il Volo in
Montreal, and some of which he experienced alone, to places including
Anticosti Island, Peru, and Argentina. He was very sociable and loved
telling long stories, sharing delicious food, and making friendships
in upstate New York and at the UMass Track while dog walking.
To know Fred was to be welcomed, protected, and loved. He was the rock
of his family-the steady hand, the listening ear, the one you could
always count on. As a husband, he was endlessly devoted; as a father,
deeply proud and unconditionally loving.
Fred was predeceased by his parents, James Miller and Edith Luzi
Miller, and his brother, Alden Miller.
Fred leaves behind his wife, Una; his children, Bridget Hale and her
husband, Brent, and James Miller; his adored granddaughters, Cordelia
and Greta Hale; his dog, Pink; his brothers, Paul and George Miller;
his sister, Helen O’Connell, and her husband, Michael; and many nieces
and nephews who loved their “Uncle Wayne.”
A memorial service will be held on September 20, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at
Wrisley Funeral Home in South Deerfield with graveside services to
follow. Donations may be made in Fred’s memory to the Sunderland Fire
Department, 105 River Rd, Sunderland, MA, continuing his example of
compassion and care.