Roland C. Miller

LANCASTER

It is with heartbroken sorrow that we announce the loss of our beloved husband, dad, papa, and friend, Roland C. Miller, former Superintendent of the Nashoba Regional School District.  A man with a golden heart, Roland passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2022, in UMass Medical Center, Worcester, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief but courageous battle with Melanoma. He was 85 years old.

Roland is survived by the love of his life, Sandra L. (Charon) Miller, with whom he shared 39 years of marriage; two daughters, whom he loved and dedicated his life to: Tawnya Bushnell and her fiancé, David Crawford, and Jodi Lynne Sylvester and her boyfriend, Brendan Gannon. The title that he truly loved the most was “Papa,” to Jordin Lee Bushnell and her fiancé, Chris Harris, whose life he was always an active, integral part of. That love only grew in March of 2019, when his new passion and zest for life came into this world, with the birth of his great-grandson, Jaxon James Harris – Papa finally had his little boy, his JJ. The two quickly became inseparable, spending their days together, enjoying one another’s company. He also leaves a grandson, Aidan Crawford. Roland was an uncle to many nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly. In addition, he leaves behind his two four-legged companions: Bella, his sleeping companion, and Lacey, his footrest buddy. He was predeceased by his cherished mother-and-father-in-law, Ernest and Dorice (Hatstat) Charon; a brother-in-law, Ernest D. Charon, Jr.; and three grandsons, whom only the Lord was blessed to meet.

Born in Worcester, he was raised and educated in Belmont, and was a graduate of Belmont High School, Class of 1954. He then earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Salem State, and his Master of Education Degree from Fitchburg State. He later attended Boston University, where he worked on his Doctorate. His career in education spanned 36 years, beginning as a business teacher. In 1962, he was named Chair of the Business Department at Nashoba Regional High School.  He then served as Assistant Principal at the high school, and later, as Superintendent of the Nashoba Regional School District, until his retirement in 1997. He was a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the Massachusetts Association of School Principals, and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, as well as the Masonic Brothers. In addition, he was heavily involved with the Lancaster Youth Soccer Association, which he helped to manage and maintain for many years.

A lifelong educator and scholar, he always said that his greatest accomplishment as Superintendent came in 1987, when he was instrumental in the creation on a brand-new initiative at Nashoba Regional, launching the Cadet EMT program, the first of its kind. To this day, the program certifies students as EMTs, working in conjunction with the Bolton Ambulance. When the alarm would sound, the student EMTs would race to the emergency, with Mr. Miller as their cadet car driver.

Roland truly enjoyed living life and did so to the fullest.  He could often be found dancing the night away with Sandra and his in-laws, Dorice and Ernie. He enjoyed his trips to the casino, and annual trips to Maine with the whole family, sometimes in excess of 40+ family members. His most treasured moments were when he was surrounded by his loving family; everyone came to Papa’s BBQs, graduation parties and pool parties. Whenever you showed up at this house, you were greeted with his infectious smile that would light up the room.

As a dad, he was the greatest, by far.  His “girls” could tell him anything, without him ever judging them. He became their best friend, and would do anything to help them, without hesitation. 

As a grandfather, he was truly amazing: he spent his golden years with his Jordin Lee, hosting countless parties. He loved his granddaughter and great-grandson with such passion and devotion; there was no greater love than that which they shared. They were his entire world.

As a son-in-law to Ernie and Dorice, he took great pleasure in not only being family, but also being the best of friends. In their later years, he was also a devoted caretaker for his “mother and father.”

As a husband, there was none better than Roland.  He was utterly devoted to his beloved wife, Sandra, and each day, would write her a love note. It was often short and sweet, but it was something that she cherished waking up to each day.

Roland, you completed our lives and there will never be a more loving, compassionate, and loyal man on this earth than you. You have guided our family through ups and downs, happiness and sadness.  God needed a “hero,” up in Heaven, and He is undoubtedly getting the best hero He could ever ask for.

The family would like to thank the staff of the oncology unit, 8th floor at UMass-Memorial Medical Center, University Campus, for the love, compassion and care they showed for our Roland.

Roland’s funeral will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022, from the McNally & Watson Funeral Home, 304 Church St., Clinton, with a Mass at 12:00 noon in Immaculate Conception Church, 809 Main St., Lancaster.  Burial will be private.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours at the funeral home on Friday, September 16, 2022, from 4:30-7:30 p.m.  Due to family health concerns, masks would be appreciated, if possible, during all services. For those who wish, the Miller family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Nashoba EMT Cadet Program, c/o Nashoba Regional Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 523, Bolton, MA 01740. Please note that donation is intended for the EMT program.