Michael Joseph Miller

Michael Joseph Miller, a lifelong Sandwich resident, retired Police Chief and Selectboard member, passed away suddenly on Monday, November 18, 2024. The son of the late Frank and Dagny Miller, Michael leaves behind his wife of 50 years Susan (Fucarino) Miller, daughter Katie Miller and son-in-law George Chahine, son Kevin Miller and daughter-in-law Tara (Bolt) Miller, and his beloved granddaughters Yasmine Chahine and Savannah Miller, who called him Pop Pop. He is also survived by his siblings Steve Miller of Kuna, Idaho, Paul Miller of Rio Verde, Arizona, Mary Ann (Miller) Newman of Forestdale, Tom Miller of Roslindale, and Jamie Miller of Mashpee.

Michael grew up on Town Neck and graduated from Sandwich High School in 1970. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Niagara University where he played varsity soccer and met his wife Susan. He graduated second in his class at the Massachusetts State Police Academy and earned a Master of Public Administration from Northeastern University.

Michael’s law enforcement career spanned 36 years. He began as the town’s first School Resource Officer in 1974 and supported youth, families, teachers and administrators for two decades. During that time he also served as a rape and child sexual assault investigator, criminal detective, court officer and Cape Cod Drug Task Force liaison. He was appointed Chief of Police in 2000, effectively managing through fiscally lean times, securing grant funds for community policing programs, and introducing the Citizens Police Academy. After retiring he continued to contribute as an adjunct instructor in criminal justice at Cape Cod Community College.

Michael epitomized service above self and was a passionate volunteer throughout his life. As a devoted member and past President of the Bourne-Sandwich Rotary Club, he served countless meals at community events, raising many thousands of dollars for local and international community projects, and enjoyed hosting numerous Rotary International exchange students over the years. He was also a committed supporter and past Board Chair of the Cape Cod Community College Educational Foundation.

Michael was serving his third term on the Sandwich Selectboard. He dedicated himself to enhancing quality of life for the community, and advocated enthusiastically for projects including the Sandwich Public Library renovation, the Center for Active Living, the consolidated Town Offices, and, closest to his heart, the Boardwalk reconstruction.

He enjoyed traveling, gardening, target shooting, home improvement projects and his daily walks in Sandwich village with Susan and friends. He loved to observe the birds and wildlife in his yard, as well as to hike or drive on Sandy Neck in all seasons. He was known for his warm heartedness, hard-working nature and his many stories. Through his daily kindnesses and acts of service, he has made an indelible impact on his family, friends and community.

Visiting hours will take place Friday, November 22nd from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 154 Route 6A, Sandwich. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, November 23rd at 11:00 am at Corpus Christi Parish, 326 Quaker Meeting House Rd. East Sandwich, MA. Burial is private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

The Miller Family Scholarship at the Cape Cod Community College Foundation https://ccccfoundation.org

Town of Sandwich - Michael J. Miller Donation Account for Civic Improvements https://www.sandwichmass.org