Charles Kenneth ‘Ken’ Miller, 86
Charles Kenneth “Ken” Miller, 86, of Acton, passed away September 11, 2025.
Born on Long Island, New York, and raised in Littleton, New Hampshire, Ken graduated from Littleton High School and earned a bachelor’s in electrical and electronics engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he was a member of Sigma Chi, followed by a master’s in data communications from the University of Pennsylvania.
A pioneer in technology, Ken founded Acton Data Systems and Acton Communications and authored the technical book “Multicast Networking and Applications.”
With a lifelong love of science and nature, Ken co-founded the Cougar Network and volunteered on the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Committee; the trail runs behind his home in Acton. His dedication to both his community and the environment inspired his service as chairman of the Acton Trails Committee.
Ken was also an avid and competitive tennis player. He served as commissioner of the Men’s Suburban Tennis League, was a member of the board of trustees of the Senior Tennis Foundation, and co-founded the New England Senior Tennis Association. A devoted member of Acton Country Club for 37 years, Ken and his wife, Dorcas, were honored together with the Edwin Goodman 2010 Family of the Year Award by the United States Tennis Association New England.
He loved to travel, hike, and explore the world; his favorite adventures included journeys to Machu Picchu, Kenya, and Tanzania. At home, he especially cherished time with his grandchildren, sharing his love of nature, curiosity, ice cream, hiking adventures, museum trips, and pure joy for life with them.
Ken is survived by his beloved spouse Dorcas, to whom he was married for nearly 60 years; two children Garry Miller (married to Tim Garneau) and Rachel Amato (married to John Amato); and three grandchildren Ryan, Christopher, and Nicholas Amato.
He was predeceased by his brother Donald Miller and his wife Lori; his sister Marilyn Aldrich, and his parents Gordon and Marjorie Miller.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, October 2, from 5-7 p.m. at Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Acton Center. A private burial will be held at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the New England Senior Tennis Association at nestf.net/donate.
Ken will be remembered as a man of boundless energy, curiosity, and generosity — someone who built a legacy in technology, championed his community, competed passionately on the tennis court, and, most of all, loved and cherished his family. His life was full of purpose, adventure, and joy, and his spirit will live on in the many people and places he touched.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Acton. To share a memory or to offer a condolence on Ken’s tribute page, visit DeeFuneralHome.com.
