Lifelong Copake resident Lester “Sonny” F. Miller, 89, passed peacefully with family members at his side, Sunday, February 27, 2022, at Berkshire Medical Center.

Born December 6, 1932, to Lester and Bertha (Balogh) in Copake, he was raised to the age of nine in Connecticut, then returned to Copake to live and work on his grandfather’s farm, because he loved the country life. After marrying in 1956 to Joan McCumiskey, he started his own bulldozing and excavating business as well as working part-time for the Copake Town Highway Department for 10 years. During this time, he was captain of the Copake Community Rescue Squad, a captain and then commissioner of the Copake Fire Department.

In 1974, he won the election as Copake Town Highway superintendent, a position he held proudly for 24 years. After his retirement he devoted himself to his true passion, woodworking. Many friends and family were recipients of his creations.

He is survived by his partner of 30+ years, Margaret “Peggy” Edelman; his daughters, Barbara and Patricia; son, Michael; brother, Pete (Dotty); nieces, Tammy, Lori and Rebecca, all of Bethel, CT, and his beloved German Shephard, Shannon “Shannie.”

He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, David; sister, Lorraine and niece, Heather.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, March 6, 2022, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Peck & Peck Funeral Home, 8063 Route 22, Copake. There will be a spring interment at Copake Methodist Church Cemetery at the family’s convenience.

Memorial contributions may be made to Columbia-Greene Humane Society, 111 Humane Society Road, Hudson 12534 or the Copake Fire Department, 390 County Route 7A, Copake 12516.