Daniel W. Miles, age 98, of Brockton, passed away peacefully at his home on February 20, 2016. He was the beloved husband of the late Martha J Miles. Daniel was born in Norwood, MA on July 21, 1917, the son of Lithuanian immigrants, Frank W. Miles (Milius) and Pauline (Aukstikalnis) Miles. After graduating from Norwood H. S. in 1934, he attended MIT and Northeastern University, graduating in 1940 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. He was captain of NU’s track team, and was later inducted into the university’s Hall Of Fame in 1982 for his long standing high jump record of 6’5” in 1939.
After graduation, Dan served as a Construction Engineer on military defense projects in the U.S. and throughout the Pacific Islands while working for Liberty Mutual/Boston office. He was captured by the Japanese in the Philippines in December 1941 and spent over 3 years in POW camps on the island of Luzon.
On February 23, 1945, Dan was rescued from the Los Banos Prison Camp. The 11th Airborne Paratroopers, of which the late Hugo Paparo of Brockton served, played a major role in the rescue, as well as the U.S. Army Rangers, guerilla ground forces and 50 or more amphibious tanks that crossed the lake the night before.
Dan returned to the U.S. and later joined his only brother, Andrew, at his established business, Miles Plumbing and Heating Co., located in the Montello section of the city.
In his later years, Daniel assisted in establishing a satellite Engineering-Architectural office in Boston for an international firm, now operating as STV, Inc. and served as their Mechanical Engineering Department Manager until his retirement in 1990.
Mr. Miles was active in various service organizations over the years: The Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, The Commercial Club, The Holy Name Society, Old Colony Planning Council, Peoples Savings Bank and the Brockton Taxpayers Association.
Dan will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, uncle, friend and mentor, who loved playing horseshoes, bowling, cribbage, special golf tournaments and visiting with family and friends.
Daniel is survived by his children: Karen D. Klauber, Lucia Vannoy, Rhonda LaVerghetta, Larry Miles, Alexa Cobb, Marcia Cannizzo, Maryanne Phillips, Timothy Miles, and Daniel Miles. He is also survived by six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He was the father of the late Teresa A Miles and brother of the late Andrew H Miles.
Visiting Hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont St (Rte. 123) Brockton, Sunday February 28 from 1-5pm. The procession will gather at the funeral home Monday at 9:30am for a funeral Mass at St. Ann’s Church in West Bridgewater at 10:30am. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Daniel’s name to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 to support cancer research.