Roland 'Pop' 'Pop' Miller

RUTLAND – Roland “Pop” L. Miller, 98, of Overlook Rd., passed away peacefully on April 19, 2014, under the loving care of his family and the staff at Southbridge Rehabilitation & Health Care Center. Born and raised in Worcester, Pop was the son of Victor and Estelle Miller and lived 59 years in Rutland.
Pop attended Worcester Boy’s Trade High School and in 1942, enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, and honorably serving his country during World War II. He worked at Reed Rolled Thread Co. in Holden for 30 years retiring in 1978.
He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Rutland and a former Commander of the Rutland American Legion Post 310. He looked forward to attending Lodge meetings with his brothers at Rufus Putnam Lodge of Masons in Rutland where he was a member for over 50 years. He continued his Masonic journey as a 32 Degree Mason with memberships in the Scottish Rite Bodies of Worcester, Massachusetts Consistory, Melha Shrine, and the Hampshire Shrine Club. As a community volunteer, Pop served over 40 years with the Rutland Fire Brigade and was still an honorary member. Pop was a well loved personality in Rutland and will be remembered for his engaging smile, kind nature and most importantly, as a devoted father and friend.
His beloved wife of 62 years, Rosalie (Royal) Miller died in 2005. He leaves three sons, Leslie A. Miller of New Braintree, Stephen A. Miller of Rutland and Richard R. Miller of North Brookfield; a daughter, Nancy E. Tucker of Hubbardston; five grandchildren; four great grandchildren; nephews and nieces.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather and visit with Pop’s family from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A funeral service honoring his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23, at the First Congregational Church of Rutland, 264 Main St., Rutland. Burial will follow at Rural Cemetery in Rutland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Congregational Church of Rutland, P. O. Box 484, Rutland, MA 01543, or the Rutland Fire Brigade Rescue Fund, 240 Main St., Rutland, MA 01543. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit: www.milesfuneralhome.com