Chris Miller

Christian O. Miller, "Chris," of Danbury, passed away suddenly on August 24, surrounded by his loving family, and leaves behind a rich legacy of love and devotion as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He was the loving husband of the late Elizabeth "Betty" (Cook) Miller. He was 88.

Right to the end, Chris lived a vibrant and full life, whether he was teaching in the classroom, staying active in his retirement, or planning his next adventure with friends and family. Chris was a longtime resident of the Danbury area, living most recently in Keystone Place at Wooster Heights, where he was one of the founding residents and quickly became the official "Mayor" of the place, and even wrote a weekly musings column there. He had a caring manner and charming sense of humor that made an impression on all who knew him. Simply put, he was a good guy.

It is hard to list the many different ways Chris enjoyed and lived an active life. He loved to play golf and pickleball. For years, he was a jogger and ran 13 marathons over a 20-year period. He loved cards and was an avid bridge and poker player. He rarely missed any of his children's activities - basketball, softball, ice hockey, track and cross country, and when it came to his grandchildren, he also enjoyed spectating at their baseball games and dramatic performances. He was also a fan of the Boston Red Sox and UCONN Basketball, especially the women's team.

In addition to his active ways, Chris was a man of faith and great sensitivity who gave of himself in a variety of ways. Sundays he enjoyed reading scripture during church services and family members can recall many a hymn or song that roused him to tears. He was also a sentimental soul who loved keeping up with old friends and recalling past experiences. He valued service and gave countless hours to several different organizations. More than time, he also donated some 15 gallons of blood to the Red Cross in his lifetime.

Chris was also a man of eclectic interests who collected buttons, coins, and hats, and also enjoyed reading books about history or puzzles like playing Words with Friends. His most recent object of affection was his great-grandson, Oliver. Chris could watch him play and babble for hours.

Chris was born March 13, 1937 in New Haven, the oldest son of the late Christian and Jean (Doig) Miller. The family lived in West Haven and Meriden before moving in 1950 to Branford's Indian Neck, where growing up along the shores of Long Island Sound instilled him a love of all things water – swimming, fishing, clamming. After graduating from Branford High School in 1955, he attended Bates College in Maine, where he met his future wife in a government class. The two were married six months after graduation in December 1959. Following graduation, he worked in the business and personnel fields in the New Haven area, including at Quinnipiac College in the early 1960s. In 1966, the family moved to Danbury, where he has established powerful relationships through his varied interests, including a nearly 60-year membership in the Ridgebury Congregational Church. In his nearly six decades in the Danbury area, Chris has been involved in the Exchange Club, the Danbury Westerners, and other volunteer work.

After moving to Danbury, Chris made a bold career change and became a teacher, a profession well suited to his many attributes. For nearly 30 years, he taught math and science in the Katonah-Lewisboro, NY, school system. Students and fellow teachers remember his creative bulletin boards declaring "Have a Whale of a Year!" or the sports-themed material in his classroom.

He was blessed to have more than 25 years of retirement that allowed him to spend time with family and friends. Most recently he was fortunate to share his life with his beloved partner and friend, Liz Zaglauer who became an important part of the family.

Chris is survived by his two children: Carole Bishop and her partner, Heather Thomas; Christian "Bing" Miller and his wife, Jennifer. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Alexandra "Alla" Farrell and her husband, Kyle; and Christian "CJ" Miller; a great grandson, Oliver Richard Farrell; and a sister, Elizabeth Clark Gay.

In addition to his parents, and his wife, Betty, Chris was predeceased by his brother, Stuart Miller, and his son in law, Robert Bishop.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, August 29, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home; 9 Granville Avenue, Danbury. A funeral service in celebration of Chris' life will take place on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM in Ridgebury Congregational Church; 605 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ridgebury Congregational Church, 605 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877, or online at https://meetinghouse.life/