Frederick William Wayne Miller III

1946 - 2025

Frederick W. W. 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.