Michael Edward Miles

Michael Edward Miles, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham, Massachusetts. Born in Rochester, New York on December 12, 1938, he was the son of Benjamin and Thelma (Moorehouse) Miles. Mike was raised in Rochester and attended the local public schools and worked in the local airfield. He loved to tell people that he learned to fly before he learned to drive. After graduating from high school in 1955, his passion for flight inspired him to continue his education at St. Louis University in Missouri, where he studied aeronautical engineering and served in the ROTC. While at the university, Mike also met the love of his life and future wife, Mary “Jody” Mahoney.

After graduating from St. Louis University with his bachelor's degree in 1959, Mike accepted a position at McDonnell Aircraft Corporation as an aeronautical engineer where he was responsible for the engineering system design of Project Mercury, focusing on pyrotechnics and checkout for launching. In 1960, Mike responded to his country's call, enlisted in the United States Air Force, ready to serve his country. While in the Air Force, Mike was stationed at the Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. He participated in the training and operational launches of the Titan I and II Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, rising to the rank of Captain and serving in the reserves, prior to his honorable discharge in 1970.

After active duty, Mike and Jody relocated to Tullahoma, Tennessee where Mike accepted a position with ARO, Inc as a rocket test engineer, using knowledge gained in school and the Air Force to engineer, design, install, and assess rocket systems as well as serve as a test conductor the Surveyor, Titan, and Minuteman missile rocket firings.

In 1966, Mike and Jody moved to Northboro, Massachusetts where they would raise a family. Mike's career continued at the Jamesbury Corporation in Worcester, Massachusetts which specialized in water and air valves. He held a variety of positions within the company during his tenure including development engineer, product manager, corporate products manager, marketing manager, and industry manager until 1984 when he left the company to work for Worcester Controls. He remained with Worcester Controls in various capacities until his well-deserved retirement in 2004.

While working in the valve industry, Mike conceived the concept of a high-performance butterfly valve, filed for and held the rights to five US Valve patents, and authored multiple technical publications. Outside of work, Mike pursued his Professional Engineers License in Mechanical Engineering, which he obtained in 1967 as well as his MBA which he earned at Clark University in Worcester. Mike was also a member of a variety of technical societies including the Valve Manufacturers Association and the Cryogenic Society of America. He served as a technical reviewer of ASME Pressure Vessels and Piping Committee member for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Mike was also a member of the Instrument Society of America, serving as a Technical Coordinator for the SP79 Cryogenic Valve Standard and serving as National Director for the Cryogenic Division from 1984-1986.

In 2018, following the passing of his beloved wife Jody, Mike moved to Franklin, Massachusetts to be closer to family. He opened his home to a rescue Beagle named Rocky, who quickly made himself at home. Mike adored Rocky and Rocky adored Mike, the pair a perfect match for each other.

In his free time, Mike enjoyed spending time with his family. He and Jody were very involved with their children's various activities, never missing a game and serving as co-chairs of the Algonquin Athletic Boosters Club. This support carried on to the next generation, with Grandpa Mike attending every football, soccer, softball, hockey, lacrosse game and gymnastics meet for his grandchildren that he could. Every year he looked forward to planning a big trip down south to spend time with his family there, soaking up every moment with his grandkids that he possibly could. Mike also enjoyed woodworking and building heirloom quality pieces of furniture for his home. He also loved spending time on the water, specifically Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg in Webster, Massachusetts. Many days were spent puttering around on the lake, just cruising and relaxing, enjoying the scenery. Mike also enjoyed sailing and had a sail boat for some time. Known as the man behind the camera, Mike often documented his adventures, developing his film and printing his photos at home in the dark room he built. Many photo albums line many shelves in his home, with so many memories to cherish.

Beloved husband of 56 years of the late Mary “Jody” (Mahoney) Miles.

Loving father of Laura M. Devlin and her late husband Patrick of Walpole, the late Douglas E. Miles and his surviving wife Patricia of Seabrook, NH, the late David A. Miles and his surviving wife Bridget of Holden.

Cherished grandfather of Robert Devlin, Margaret Devlin, Katherine Devlin, Kevin Miles, Emily Miles, Sarah Miles, and Elizabeth Miles.

Brother-In-Law of John S. Mahoney of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Ann Mahoney Grill of Vancouver, Washington.

Also survived by his beloved dog Rocky.

At the request of Mike's family, all services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mike's name may be made to a charity of one's choosing. 

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.