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Charles 11.13.31-6.26.24 Obituary

CHARLES MILLER 11.13.31-6.26.24

Northampton, MA - Charlie Miller, 92, left this earthly realm listening to Mozart and transitioning to paint deep space exactly on his own terms. He returned to his home after a brief illness and was surrounded by his oil paintings and everything he loved. He lived independently until April and continued to enjoy the company of friends, fellow artists and musicians visiting him during these last months.

Charlie was born in Waterbury, Connecticut and his family moved to Portsmouth, New Hampshire when he was young. He lived through the Great Depression and World War II. These events shaped his future work. He moved to Northampton in the 70's where he lived for the rest of his life.

Charlie's style, a type of expressionism, was focused on man's inhumanity to man. He took five years to paint "The Fourteen Stations of the Cross", depicted in the 20th Century which was shown in galleries and churches in NYC, Connecticut and Massachusetts over the decades. As a jazz conga player and dance accompanist, he played for Dance Gallery, and in various duos, trios, quartets and quintets. He painted a series of "Musicians" in black and white and at the opening he had the musicians standing in front of their paintings playing music.

The series, "Looking for WW III" was followed by "The Survivors", "The Migration", and "Looking for WWIV", as man does not learn from his mistakes. There was "The Kurds", with sand ground into canvas to depict the desert; "Oil Spills", "Sun Spots", and the "Deep Space" series followed. In his ninth decade, he painted "Protests at 90", during the upheaval of COVID, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ukraine…always searching for a way to paint the angst with beauty and compassion. His work is in many private collections as well as Anchor House and NEVA Museum, in Northampton. His past local shows were at The Center for the Arts and APE Gallery and his work is on display at Gazebo, in Northampton.

Charlie was predeceased by his only son, Brian. His former wife, Judith Fine, remained an important part of his life after their divorce and became his confidante, best friend, and caregiver during this last chapter of his incredible life. Charlie transitioned in her loving arms.

Not many people get to leave a legacy of their work that expresses exactly what they wanted to say and share with the world. Charlie Miller was a lucky man, fiercely independent, very in step with the news and his surroundings, yet a gentle soul that loved deeply and appreciated his dear friends, feeding the birds, watching his tomato plants thrive, rooting for the Sox and Pats and always had a thirst for history, knowledge and the truth. His legacy will live on with those of us fortunate enough to have a Miller in our home to provoke thought and capture beauty.

Thank you to Hospice Fisher Home for their compassionate care that allowed Charlie to return to his own home. Thank you to all who helped with visits and caregiving shifts, especially Joey, and a deep thanks to Henry, his dear friend and advisor.

At a later date, there will be a Celebration of Life and an opportunity to purchase a Miller as a fundraiser for the Anchor House of Artists/NEVA Museum in Northampton. Contributions in Charlie's memory may be made to NEVA Museum, 518 Pleasant Street, Northampton, Massachusetts 01060. https://www.neva-museum.org/donate.html

Please go to Czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences and tribute book.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Jul. 2, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles 11.13.31-6.26.24

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3 Entries

Michael Tillyer

July 5, 2024

Kim Fine

July 3, 2024

Remembering the good times!

Kim Fine

July 2, 2024

A life well lived.
Condolences to Brian and Judith, and all who knew him.

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Czelusniak Funeral Home

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