Kenneth Barry Miller

Wakefield, Massachusetts — Kenneth Barry Miller, 68, passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2023, surrounded by his loving family, following a brief and unexpected illness. 

Ken is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 45 years, Frances “Frankie” Miller (Grafton); his children, Jenny Miller, Emily McGregor and her husband John, Stephanie Cournoyer and her husband Matthew, John Miller and his wife Stephanie; his grandchildren, Mark, Kayla, Nora, Emma, Stephen, Alfred, Olive, Estelle, and Vera; his brother, William Miller and his companion Sheilah Warner; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Ken was the brother-in-law of George E. Grafton Jr. and his late wife Cathy, MaryAnn Grafton, David Grafton and his wife Claire, Justine Holdsworth and her late husband John, Louisa French and her husband Donald, Ellen Wright and her friend Tilden Wright.  He is predeceased by his parents, John B. Miller and Elizabeth Miller (Gregg); grandson, Bennett Cournoyer; sister-in-law, Cecelia van Loon and her late husband Jan; brothers-in-law Joseph Grafton and Leo John Grafton.

Ken was born and raised in Wakefield and graduated from Wakefield Memorial High School in 1973. Following high school, Ken continued his education through coursework and on the job training in the food service & culinary industry. Ken spent 37 years employed by the Fessenden School in West Newton, where he served as the head chef and food service director for many years. His dedication, hard work, and delicious, nourishing food, made a lasting impact on thousands of students and the entire school community. He retired in June of 2020. 

Ken and his beloved wife, Frankie, were wed in September of 1978 and shared 45 years of marriage. Their enduring love and partnership were an inspiration to all who knew them. Together, they created a warm and loving home filled with laughter, shared dreams, love of God, and cherished memories. They raised their four children in Stoneham and Wakefield, residing in Wakefield for the past 30 years. Throughout his life, Ken exemplified what it meant to be a true partner, loving father, hard worker, and fierce friend. 

Ken deeply appreciated the simple joys of life. He loved to spend quality time pursuing and sharing his many passions with his loved ones. In his adult life, Ken enjoyed spending time in nature, hiking and camping across much of New England. He reveled in taking the scenic route to many destinations throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine with his wife at his side, her feet on the dash. Of particular importance was Ken’s love of music. He had an uncanny ability to seek, find, and share unique songs and artists with anyone close enough to listen. Ken could find a song to match any emotion or experience. As his line of work would suggest, Ken was also a connoisseur of good food and drink, appreciating how sharing simple meals with good company could be a celebration of life’s gifts. He was always genuinely kind-hearted, quick-witted, humble, and patient. A brilliant teacher by his example, Ken embodied the golden rule. He wore his heart on his sleeve, accepted everyone, and loved immensely. Those Ken has left behind will strive to be more like him, especially during this most difficult time, by having patience, loving well, listening well, and eating well. 

The family would like to express their deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received during this time. Ken's memory will surely live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him. 

Funeral from the Barile Family Funeral Home 482 Main St. (RT28) Stoneham will be on Wednesday, November 8 at 9 am followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Kenneth's Eternal Life at St. Joseph Church 173 Albion St. Wakefield at 10 am. Interment at St. Patrick Cemetery, Stoneham. Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share memories with his family on Tuesday, November 7 from 3 pm to 7 pm in the funeral home. Parking attendants and elevators are available.