Obituary: L. Samuel “Sam” Miller

December 27, 1930 - August 19, 2022 

August 23, 2022

L. Samuel “Sam” Miller. Courtesy photo

L. Samuel (Sam) Miller of Waterbury Center, died at home on Friday, August 19, 2022, following declining health.  He was born in New York City on December 27, 1930, to Mary Mitchell Miller and Lloyd Samuel Miller.  He grew up in Bound Brook and North Branch, New Jersey.  The family moved to Weston, Vermont, in 1947. 

On March 3, 1962, he married Mary Pietryka of West Rutland, who survives him along with their three sons and their spouses:  Ted Miller (Karen), Colorado; Mitchell Miller (Addie), Montana; and Steve Miller (Robin) Colchester.  He has two grandchildren whom he adored:  Nico Miller (Montana) and Marybeth Miller (Colchester).  Sam and Mary celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in March.

He also is survived by his brother Peter Miller, the Pietryka family in-laws and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his sister Hilary Chalmers.

Sam graduated from Burr & Burton Academy in Manchester, Vermont, where he was class president for two years. He received his BA from the University of Portland, Oregon, and a masters in Political Science at the University of Vermont where he also coached the alpine ski team.

Sam served in the U.S. Army from August 1954 until May 1956. From 1959 to 1962 he served as Executive Director of the Vermont Democratic Party. During that time, Vermont elected its first Democratic governor, Phil Hoff in 1962. In 2017, he and Mary received the David W. Curtis Award from the Democratic State Committee.

He worked in the printing and publishing industry, working for the Lane Press for 13 years.  He had a second career with John Deere Life Insurance before becoming a self-employed insurance agent.  He also served as service officer for the Waterbury American Legion Post 59.

Sam had a lifelong interest in history, politics, and outdoor activities and he was an avid skier, fisherman and hunter, loves he passed on to his sons.  He was a longtime member, woodland steward, and board member of the Vermont Woodlands Association, where he served as treasurer for nearly a decade.  

A memorial Mass will be held at St. Andrew’s Church in Waterbury on Friday, August 26, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the family plot in Weston, Vermont.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Vermont Woodlands Association, P.O. Box 26, Rupert, VT 05768.