Charles E. Miller
Attorney, civic leader, mentor, and a man of joy
The Kinney Shores Association mourns the passing of Charles E. "Charlie" Miller of Scarborough, Maine, who died on Friday, August 4, 2023, after a short illness. He was 75.
Charlie was a larger-than-life figure, with a tremendous personal presence, a searching and seeking intelligence, and an incredibly generous spirit. He was a devoted and supportive husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend. He spread happiness to his family and to everyone surrounding him. He was a man of joy.
Born on September 25, 1947, in New Haven, Connecticut, to Bernard and Dorothy Miller, Charlie was a proud Eagle Scout. He graduated from Colby College in 1969 and earned a master's degree in education from the University of Maine in 1973. He taught English for seven years at Lawrence High School in Fairfield, Maine, where he created and coached what became a state champion debate team. He went on to earn his law degree cum laude from the University of Maine School of Law in 1979, where he served as managing editor of the Law Review.
Charlie joined Bernstein Shur in 1979 and served as the firm's Managing Partner and then CEO from 2003 to 2013, continuing to practice real estate and business law until the time of his death. He was recognized by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America, and Super Lawyers, and was rated AV by Martindale Hubbell. He was beloved by colleagues and clients alike for his intellect, charm, credibility, and tenacity.
Faith was an important part of Charlie's life. He was an immensely respected leader in Maine's Jewish community, serving as president of Temple Beth El and the Jewish Community Alliance, and as vice chair of Southern Maine Hillel. He embodied "tikkun olam" — to repair the world — and "tzedakah," the call to make the world more fair and just through action and giving. In 2009, Charlie and his wife Ellie were jointly awarded the Edmund S. Muskie "Access to Justice" Award.
His civic engagement was extraordinary. He served as Chairman of the Board of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute from 2016 to 2019, volunteered with Pine Tree Legal Assistance, Hope Acts, and the Muskie Fund for Legal Justice, and gave his time and expertise to the American Bar Association, the Maine Bar Association, and the Cumberland County Bar Association. In 2013, he received Husson University's Chesley H. Husson, Sr. Award for Dedication to Higher Education and the State of Maine.
A singer who loved to play guitar, a smile, a story, or a song were never far from Charlie's lips. He and Ellie taught high school students at Hebrew school and music to younger students at Temple Beth El. A light has surely gone out for those who knew him, but his life serves as an inspiration to many and his legacy will endure.
Charlie is survived by his wife of almost 55 years, Ellie; his son Marc Miller and wife Ayelet, and their children Eitan and Talia; his daughter Elizabeth Cleek and husband Andy, and their children Danny and Emily; his daughter Amanda Miller-Burg and husband Jordan Burg, and their children Judah and Maya; his brother Michael Miller, wife Bonnie, and their children; and his sister-in-law Sandi Bartel and husband David Polsky.
The Kinney Shores Association extends its deepest condolences to Ellie and the entire Miller family. Charlie's warmth, his generosity, and his lifelong commitment to justice and community made him a remarkable presence in all the places he loved — including here at Kinney Shores. He is greatly missed.