on July 13, 2021, at the age of 84.
He was a loving and devoted husband to Jane H. (Philbrick) Miller; the loving father to his son,
Benjamin R. Miller Jr. and his wife Donna Miller of Bristol, RI and two daughters, Iwalani Kaeka,
Leialoha Acker, her husband Daryll (Monster Mash) Acker and Kitty Meowser of Hyannis. He
was also survived by seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, with a third on the way and
three stepchildren.
Ben was member of the Swift Memorial United Methodist Church in Sagamore Beach and an
active member of the Monument Beach Sportsman’s Club where he has done many pig roasts
for the members and their families. Ben enjoyed riding his Harley, fishing, hunting, and fly
tying. Most times Ben could be found in his garage tinkering VW Bugs and Chrysler vans,
outboard motors, lawn mowers, doing home improvement projects or helping friends with
their own fix it projects that they knew Ben could repair and he did it for free.
Ben enjoyed food and had a healthy appetite. He especially like seafood, finishing 7 dozen
oysters in one sitting in Panama City. While socializing during meals, Ben had many stories that
caught the attention of so many people who eventually became lifetime friends. He had a
nickname for almost each one.
As Ben got older, he could be found in the kitchen trying to “clear off the table” from all the
mail he received from every charity that exists. He took the time to read their causes and
supported almost everyone, because Ben was such a giving man.
Ben was a true patriot who loved and served his country for 36 years in the Navy and Air Force.
For many years, he was an Aerospace Ground Equipment Technician with the rank of Master
Sargent for the 102 nd squadron, supporting the F-106 jet interceptor fighter protecting the east
coast of the United States. Between military tours, Ben was also an engine mechanic and crew
member for The Island Queen in Falmouth, MA taking visitors to the Cape islands and in the off
season would travel on the boat to Puerto Rico to work where he met his children’s mother.
Ben’s final job after retirement was hanging out at the Fresh Ketch on Main Street Hyannis with
his daughter Leila and hospitality family. He may have held the door open and greeted you as
you stepped in for a bite to eat or to sing karaoke.
Many people adored Mr. Miller. He was a good friend, dependable, kind, and was known as:
“the man with a grip” and “they don’t make them any better!!”
Funeral services will begin at 10am – 1pm on Tuesday, July 20th with a short service at
Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 40 MacArthur Blvd. in Bourne. Burial will follow in the
Massachusetts National Cemetery with a gathering at the Monument Beach Sportsman’s Club
afterwards.
In Lieu of flowers, donations in Ben’s memory may be made to a Veteran’s charity of the
donor’s choice.
For online condolences and directions please visit www.nickersonbournefuneralhome.com.
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