Online Obituaries

Scott Miles peacefully walked into his new home in heaven on February 1, 2023 after a tenacious battle with cancer.  Never one to ever take the easy way out, Scott took a page from his favorite, Tom Brady, and adopted an “LFG” approach to all aspects of his health journey. He and his wife, Alyson, dedicated themselves to facing every obstacle they encountered head on and overcoming each one.   It is no coincidence that Scott retired 12 minutes before Brady, likely telling Tom to follow him, knowing “greatness lasts forever.” Born in Springfield, MA on February 6, 1975, Scott’s larger-than-life personality accompanied him through all the phases of his life.  Living in several towns while growing up, Scott collected an army of friends along the way. Spending his middle school years in Dudley, MA, Scott maintained life-long friendships with many of his classmates and neighbors, taking yearly golf trips with his old friends to places near and far.  Scott entered Chicopee High School in the fall of 1989 as “the new kid who looked like a grown man.”  Within minutes he had amassed more friends than most people do in a lifetime, and the new kid was somehow running the show and orchestrating the CHS social scene.  Scott had an interesting dichotomy, though.  He may have been the life of the party, but he also graduated at the top of his class with an innate intelligence that was unparalleled.  Starting his college journey at Boston University and quickly realizing that Amherst was a much better fit, Scott began collecting his next era of friends as he enjoyed every minute of his four years at UMASS.  He would often say that he would go back in a heartbeat – partially to get that full head of hair back.  After earning his degree in Civil Engineering, Scott began to shine his light on the construction industry.  In his time at Daniel J. O’Connell and Barletta Engineering, Scott became the “go-to guy” for Accelerated Bridge Construction projects and helped lead Barletta to become one of the premier contractors for this expertise.  While heading these projects, Scott took every opportunity along the way to train and challenge his “guys” to create the strongest team possible. His skills earned him acclaim among his peers and superiors, but his heart was what made him a true success.  Knowing just how to manage people on the jobsite with that special Scott-balance of tough and kind, he was the Superintendent that people wanted to work for.  Scott has always been “that guy.” He has never met a stranger, and a singular encounter made him unforgettable. His inviting, approachable personality was never overpowering but brought a happiness wherever he went.  There is no one who could say a bad word about Scott, a testament to the fact that he was one of a kind. His kindness, sincerity and true compassion made him stand out.  Though his stature may have been imposing, every child was in love with Scott.  Whether he was tossing them in the air, leading butterfly parades around the neighborhood or impressing them with his drawing skills, Scott always had an entourage of kids surrounding him.  No one loved Star Wars, the Patriots, TB12, bridges, milk, cartoons, chocolate ice cream and Seinfeld more than Scott, and NO ONE had more random facts to share (even when no one was actually listening).  When anyone had a question, Scott was the person they called.  He always had an answer, though the accuracy of the answer may have been questionable at times. Known by more names than anyone…Bill, Weave, Smiles, Bob, Gar, Rick, Richard and, most notably, Dot (a name eternally bestowed upon him by his niece, Georgia), Scott would always respond to every greeting with his signature smile and trademark hug. Scott’s love for his family showed in all aspects of his life.  From golfing with his parents in Florida, to taking the trip of a lifetime to Pebble Beach with his dad, to bragging about his nieces and nephews to everyone, Scott’s pride in who he was and where he came from ran deep. He always looked forward to annual family vacations on the Cape and golfing (and eating) with his brother-in-law. He loved to tell everyone, especially his mom, about every new project he had at work, leaving out the not-so-pretty parts that he saved for Aly each night at supper. He and Aly created a life they loved and a home they cherished.  Whether it was going out to dinner alone or with their crew, watching TV on the couch with Goat or Phyllis (their cats) or singing their heads off at country concerts, their love was undeniable and their connection eternal. Scott is predeceased by his dad, Gary Miles, who simultaneously fought his own cancer battle.  He is survived by his mom, Sylveen, his brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Dina Miles, his sister and brother-in-law, Tara and Matt Schoolcraft, his nieces Kayla, Emily and Samantha and his nephew, Tyler.  He leaves his in-laws, George and Judy Czelusniak, his sister and brother-in-law, Shelly and Brian Hazlett, and his niece, Georgia.  He leaves a crew of friends that were his family as well – JP & Veronica, Kelly & Fitzy, Kristie & Steve, Pat & Andrea, Pedro & Sonya, Rose & Mike, and The Pirates. His legacy and memory will live on through his soulmate and wife, Alyson, and his furry daughter, Phyllis Merry Miles, who loved her dad (and his treats) endlessly. Donations in Scott’s name can be made to places close to his heart: Angell Memorial Medical Center which provided amazing care for Goat as she fiercely battled feline diabetes for years, Quincy Animal Shelter which brought laughter where there was sadness by introducing Phyllis Merry to her parents and Care Dimensions whose compassionate and people-focused approach should serve as a model for the rest of health care as they truly treat each person with professionalism, respect and kindness.  Honoring Scott’s mission to always make people smile, a celebration of his wonderful life will be held at a later time in lieu of traditional services.