PEABODY - Robert D. Miles, age 96, Longtime resident of Lynnfield, more recently of Brooksby Village in Peabody, passed away on Tuesday, June 6th, 2023, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House. He was born in Milton MA to the late Clarence and Grace (Allen) Miles. He was the beloved husband of Nancy (Mickler) Miles, with whom he shared almost 70 years of marriage.

After graduating Woburn High School in 1945 at age 17, Bob joined the US Navy and served as a navigator aboard a destroyer-escort during WWII.

After completing his tour, he attended Northeastern University via the GI Bill. He graduated in 1953 with a BS in Finance & Insurance. Bob had many co-op jobs along the way to help him get started in his career. It was at one of the co-op jobs where he met Nancy Mickler, who was also working in finance. They soon became engaged and married in 1953. At that time, he began his career at Kidder Peabody in Boston where he worked for over 40 years as a financial advisor. Upon retirement he continued with Morgan Stanley until his mid-80s.

He and Nancy had a very active life enjoying many activities, traveling far and wide and later, participating in numerous activities at Brooksby. Bob loved golf and gardening. He was a true fan of ancient, modern and sports history, as well as a Red Sox and Celtics fan. He had numerous and varied interests, was an avid reader and had an amazing knowledge of many subjects.

Many winters were spent in Boca Grande Florida, enjoying beaches, birds, shells, warm fun days on Lemon Bay Golf Course, wonderful friendships and The Lighthouse Church where they participated in many activities.

Bob was a Boy Scout, an Eagle Scout and, later on in life, a Scout Master in Lynnfield where he led many canoeing, camping and mountain climbing adventures, inspiring an appreciation of nature and safety in his scouts. (Remember the Allagash River!) Bob always loved every aspect of the outdoors and nature and was an avid bird watcher wherever he went.

His love of gardening was "built-in" from a childhood that included once working on a truck farm at 10 cents per hour weeding. Even then, as a young boy, he always had a small vegetable garden. He treasured his Brooksby garden, as well as the sharing of ideas and social times with friends there.

Golf continued to be a vital part of Bob's life at Brooksby, beginning with just a foursome and then growing into a larger group of golfing friends. A sad but satisfying moment when he recently gave his beloved clubs to a dear granddaughter…a few tears from all!

Bob & Nancy raised their family in a big antique house and barn on Chestnut St. in Lynnfield with 2 horses, many cats, dogs, chickens, tree houses, swings, etc. It was a great atmosphere to raise a family! This was always a welcome home for hosting family, friends and international students…always room for one more! We fondly remember our annual Easter lamb roasts for 12+ years until downsizing came.

Our AFS interests first began in 1974 with our German student Ursula (Ulla) Ables (now Ulla Belanger). There were also numerous friends from France and Germany who visited and became part of our extended family.

Church was also an important part of Bob & Nancy's life, as both were active in the Lynnfield Centre Church, No. Reading Union Church, the Boca Grande Lighthouse Church, and the Chapel at Brooksby. Each has had an enduring impact on our lives.

In addition to his beloved wife Nancy, Bob is survived by his 4 children: Peter and his partner MaryEllen Winn of Scituate, Karen Paladino and her husband Edward of Portland Oregon, Bruce and his wife Ellen of Lynnfield, David and his wife Jennifer of Boxford, Ulla and Bernie Belanger, extended family of Ottawa, Canada, as well as 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren and finally his pet kitty companion Abigail, aka "Abbie".

You will be loved and missed by the many people whose lives you have touched.

"I have been truly blessed by your love for 70 years….I will love you forever" N.

ARRANGEMENTS: A celebration of Bob's life will be held at the Brooksby Village Chapel, Brooksby Village Drive, Peabody, on July 15th at 12 PM (noon).  Relatives and friends invited. Assisting the family with arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (rte 62) DANVERS. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, Ma 01923 or to Mass Audubon Society, Fund for Nature, C/O Member Services, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln, MA 01773. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

Care Dimensions
75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers MA 01923
Web: https://www.caredimensions.org/

Massachusetts Audubon Society
208 South Great Road, Lincoln MA 01773
Web: https://www.massauduon.org/