Douglas Miles, of Clinton, loving husband and best friend of Deborah H. Miles, died July 22 at his home after a long illness. Douglas was born Jul. 18, 1936 in New Haven to the late Bertha and Robert Miles.

Doug grew up in Spring Glen, Hamden, and was a product of the Hamden school system where he was an accomplished athlete in football, hockey, baseball and wrestling. He received an academic/athletic scholarship to attend UCONN, where he played football. After incurring knee injuries, he transferred to NYU, where he finished his B.A. in English. He was a proud member of the Theta Ki fraternity.

On Dec. 23, 1978, Doug married Deb, and they went on to enjoy many years of traveling to faraway places, which included Japan and Ireland. Many summers were also spent on the Cape. Doug enjoyed being on the water, and summer months were always spent on Ho-Hum with his many friends. Maintaining the Hattaras Sportfish and his antique Mercedes were his true passions.

Doug held a variety of sales and managerial positions during his lifetime, and he impressed all who met him with his quick wit and strong sense of humor. At various times he worked as a northeast distributor of Armstrong Rubber, Silly Putty, and several computer firms, including Sperry Unisis and MAZAK Corporation.

His favorite job, however, began after his son Brendan was born. To Doug, family was the most important thing, and so he began his own computer business in order to spend more time with his son. BDM Systems, proudly named for Brendan, sold many computer systems to municipalities, school systems and clients up and down the Connecticut shoreline.

Doug truly enjoyed being a dad and watching his son grow through sports and academic achievements, and he was so pleased and proud when Brendan earned an M.S. in Computer Information Security and landed a terrific job in the field. He was also thrilled that Brendan married Karen Panella, and that are planning a family of their own.

Poor health made Doug’s later years both painful and difficult, although he never lost his spirit and passion for his wife and his family. Doug is survived by his wife Deb, and his beloved son Brendan Douglas Miles and his wife Karen (Panella) Miles of Peabody, Massachusetts.     

A celebration of life will be held at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford on Friday, July 26 at 6 p.m. Friends may call prior to the service from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Guilford Funeral Home. Burial will be held privately. Anyone who knew Doug knows of his compassion for animals, among other things. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Forgotten Felines, PO Box 734, Clinton, CT 06413, Clinton Vol. Ambulance Dept. 35 E. Main St, Clinton, CT 06413 or a charity of choice.  To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com