September 14, 2020

OBITUARY: Brother Julian Miller, 83, Springfield native

REGIONAL

HAVERHILL, Mass. — Brother Julian Edmund Miller, of the Brothers of the Holy Eucharist, 83, of Haverhill, Mass., died Sept. 12.

He was born July 3, 1937 in Springfield, a son of the late Edmund A. and Agnes M. (Balsam) Miller. He was born Edmund H. Miller, but many knew him as Brother Julian, a name he assumed in 1979 after joining the Brothers of the Holy Eucharist in Plaucheville, Louisiana.  

Brother Julian devoted several years as a teacher of religion and basketball coach for St. Joseph School, a school operated by the Brothers of the Holy Eucharist. He later was employed and retired from L’Arche, working with countless individuals with intellectual disabilities to found homes, programs, and support networks throughout Massachusetts, Florida and Canada.

He is survived by his sister, Marilyn M. Curtis, and her husband, Nelson, of Springfield; brothers William E. Miller of Southwick, John M. Miller of Springfield, and Richard C. Miller and his wife, Moira, of Shrewsbury, Mass. He also leaves his sisters-in-law, Penny and Barbara Miller; special friends Darius and Dani Pipiras; his friend Marius Zakarauskas, whom Edmund treated as his son; his canine companion Benedict; along with several nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Robert A. and Michael J. Miller; and sister-in-law Elizabeth J. Miller.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, 417 Boston Rd., Springfield, with interment following in Springfield Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Brother Julian’s name to the Marians of the Immaculate Conception (Marian.org), Eden Hill, Stockbridge, MA 01263 or L’Arche Boston North, 53 Wingate St., Haverhill, MA 01832.