Deacon Walter J. Miles, Jr. went home to the Lord on Thursday, August 17, 2023.

On August 22, 1937, Walter Jr. was born in Boston to Walter J. Miles and Margaret Fay Miles. He grew up in Winthrop and Quincy with his sister Claire and brothers Paul & Philip. Walter attended St. Lazarus School and then North Quincy High School. He was a very tall agile athlete who could be found either on the basketball or tennis court. Altar boy activities, boy scouts, & small jobs occupied the rest of his time. In 1955, he graduated from North Quincy High School. It was off to Boston College and then service in Korea with the U.S. Army. This was a challenging time with a bit of relief when he played on the US Army Doubles Tennis Team. Upon discharge, Walter returned to Boston College, majoring in accounting. He was an enthusiastic "Eagle" loving B.C. and graduating in 1964.

While at B.C., he met the love of his life, June. They fell in love and married on June 13, 1964. They moved to Acton and subsequently Concord where they have enjoyed living for 59 years and raising their children Christopher and Tracy.  Walter was always an active participant with his family, church, town, professional, athletics and other organizations.  He served on countless committees and programs over many years, preferring that his service be done quietly.

Walter began his professional career at Harris, Kerr, & Foster, and then moved on to being a Special Agent in the United States Treasury Dept. for over thirty years. He met many interesting people, formed lasting friendships, responded to challenging situations, and was grateful for it all. He retired as Chief of the Andover Division of Internal Revenue Service in 1986.

Walter was always a man of faith dedicated to God, family, and friends with a strong moral compass. In 1980, he answered the call to become a Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church and was ordained after study at St. John's Seminary, lots of prayer and discernment. This journey took Walter to serve at St. Bernard's Church, Concord, Our Lady of Fatima Church, Sudbury, and M.C.I. Concord. He was devoted to his ministry and particularly working with Fr. Jim Fratus at M.C.I. Concord. He loved his prison ministry, working with those needing spiritual counseling and life skills. They formed a Father's Group, prayer groups, and other opportunities for mostly incarcerated young men.

Walter retired from the Treasury Dept. in 1986, giving him more time for his ministry. The Cardinal appointed him Director of Prison Ministries which allowed him to incorporate his professional experience to bring prison clergy the benefits of full-time employees. Upon achieving set goals, Walter eased into more time to devote to his family and hobbies.

Anyone who knew Walter understood his passion for cooking and baking. He made bread, pasta, cookies, entrees, etc. etc. The lawn men, kids in the neighborhood, service men, friends, and many more enjoyed Walter's tasty and amazing cooking. Anyone who knew Walter also understood his passion for fishing; peaceful quiet hours in his boat with Keltie, his beloved dog and companion.  The retirement years were joyful with time at the Florida condo, time to fish, cook and be with his grandchildren, be with his children, and of course his Junie!!!

Walter met his health challenges with steadfast faith, much devotion to our Lord, the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, and his daily rosary and novena prayers. His last days were spent blessing the wonderful nurses at MGH. To our beloved Walter - father, grandfather, and friend, may you dance with the angels - you have blessed us all! Now rest in the arms of our Lord, and pray for us.

Walter leaves behind his beloved wife of 59 years, June, his son, Christopher Miles and his wife Amy, his daughter Tracy Miles and her partner David Grimsley, his granddaughter, Erica Miles and his grandson, Corben Miles.  He also leaves his brother, Paul Miles and his wife Nancy, his brother Philip Miles and his wife Cherie, and his nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and many friends.  Walter was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Margaret Miles, his sister, Claire Swan, his mother-in-law, Mary A. Duteau, his brother-in-law, Parker Swan and his brother-in-law, Robert Duteau.

Family and friends will gather for a period of visitation on Wednesday, August 23rd beginning at 10 am in St. Irene Parish, 181 East Street, Carlisle. Walter's Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am, followed by a reception in the parish hall. Please click here to view the recording of the Mass .  Private burial with U.S. Army military honors will take place later in the day at St. Bernard's Cemetery in Concord.

Concord's Town Flag will fly at half-staff on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 in recognition of Walter's honorable military service to our country.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, contributions may be made in Walter's memory to The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul , c/o Concord-Carlisle Parish Center, 70 Monument Square, Concord, MA 01742.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.