Rev. Francis Xavier Miller, S. J., who served as vice president for development at the College of the Holy Cross for 22 years, died on Tuesday, November 25, at the Campion Center in Weston, Mass., after an illness. A devoted and beloved member of the College Community, Fr. Miller also served Holy Cross as a financial advisor (1963-70) and as a member of the board of trustees (1970-73). Working closely with President Emeritus John E. Brooks, S.J., Fr. Miller played an essential role in financially strengthening Holy Cross and building a network of support from graduates. He was 82.
Fr. Miller was born in Worcester on May 28, 1926, the son of the late Francis L. and Mary (O’Brien) Miller. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his stepmother Isabel B. Miller. He is survived by his sister, Mary (Miller) Morse, of Falmouth, Mass.
After graduating from St. John’s High School, then in Worcester, in 1942, he began his college education at Holy Cross. He joined the United States Navy in 1944, and was stationed in Guam for two years. Returning to Holy Cross, he continued his studies and also was an infielder for legendary Holy Cross baseball coach Jack Barry. Graduating from Holy Cross in 1946, he went to work for the Chase National Bank of New York for the next four years.
In 1951, he entered the Jesuit Novitiate of the New England Province at Shadowbrook in Lenox, Mass., and pronounced his religious vows two years later. Moving to Weston College for studies in philosophy from 1953 to 1955, he went on to become a graduate student in business at New York University where he earned a master’s degree in business administration in 1956.
He was ordained a priest by Archbishop Richard J. Cushing of Boston, on June 13, 1959, and completed the Jesuit course of training in residence at St. Robert’s Hall in Pomfret, Conn., where he studied ascetical theology and engaged in pastoral work.
He returned to Holy Cross in 1961 to serve as treasurer. From 1963-1970, he was treasurer of the New England Province of the Society of Jesus and also served as trustee to Holy Cross (1970-73). After studying theology at St. Paul’s University in Ottawa, Canada, he was assigned again to Holy Cross, where he served as vice president for development from 1973-1995.
Holy Cross conferred an honorary doctorate of humane letters upon Fr. Miller at the 1996 commencement, the year following his retirement. The citation reads, in part, “You have traveled the length and breadth of America on behalf of Holy Cross and led a development effort unparalleled in the history of this College.” He received the 1985 Crusader of the Year Award from the Holy Cross Club of Greater Worcester. Fr. Miller also served as a trustee at St. Joseph's College in Philadelphia, Woodstock College in Maryland, Weston College in Cambridge, and Cheverus High School in Portland, Maine.
His funeral will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 3 (the Feast of St. Francis Xavier) at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, Campion Center, at 10 a.m., followed by burial at Holy Cross at 2 p.m. The wake will be at Campion Center from 3-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, with a prayer service at 4:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Francis L. Miller Scholarship Fund at the College of the Holy Cross.