A Life Full of Family, Fishing and Football

Arthur J. Miller, known as Butch to those close to him, died on Monday, June 1, 2026 at the age of eighty‑eight. He lived in Ashford and was surrounded by his loved ones during his final moments, a fitting reflection of the devotion he showed to family throughout his life. Born on November 3, 1937 in Bristol, he was the son of Elsie (Jacobs) Piasecki and Arthur Miller. His early years were marked by service to his country as a member of the United States Air Force. Miller’s lifelong passion for fishing led him to join the Bristol Fishing Game Club, where he eventually served as both President and Treasurer. He was also a proud member of the Bristol Elks BPOE #1010, showing his commitment to community service. His career spanned several roles: he worked for Northside Bank in Bristol, then moved to CBT in Hartford. After retirement, he continued to contribute by working for the State of Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. In his youth, he took on various jobs such as picking tobacco, setting pins at a local bowling alley, and working at Stephen Pontiac and Sawe’s Florist. Yet his favorite position was assisting his daughter Lisa in running estate sales, a role that brought him great satisfaction.A devoted member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Miller’s hobbies were as varied as his interests. He loved gardening and would proudly share the fruits of his labor with friends and family. His sports enthusiasm included cheering for the Red Sox, Green Bay Packers, and UConn Basketball. Fishing was a special pastime; he often taught his grandchildren how to bait hooks and catch the big fish. Known for his homemade jams, pies, and fruitcakes, he left a lasting impression on anyone who met him. Though sometimes called “Grumpa, ” this nickname was embraced with pride, and it did not mask the warmth he showed as a father, grandfather, great‑grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He had an excellent memory, never forgetting a birthday card for family members, even those with four legs. Miller is survived by his daughter Lisa and her husband Jerry Pozniak, son Clifford “Kip” Miller with wife Linda, grandchildren Leah (husband Jeremy Schmid), Zachary Pozniak, Laura (husband Austin Brochu), and Alix Pozniak. Great‑grandchildren Beau Brochu and Everett Schmid, sister Joyce Defillippi, and many nieces and nephews also remember him. He was predeceased by his sister Barbara Spirito. A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at O’Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave. , Bristol. A private burial will follow. Those wishing to honor him may donate to the nonprofit CT Forest and Park Association or leave a condolence message online at www. OBrien-FuneralHome. com.