Donald William Miles

Donald William Miles, 75, of Bethlehem, passed peacefully on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, from metastatic prostate cancer. Husband of the late Julia (Bronstein) Miles (d. Oct. 26, 2016), he was born on December 19, 1948 to the late William R. and Mary P. (Coons) Miles and raised in Cranford, NJ. A graduate of Lehigh University (‘71), Don earned his law degree at the University of Pennsylvania in 1974. A resident of Bethlehem for nearly his entire adult life, Don was a tireless advocate, activist, and community leader. From his start organizing for gender integration at Lehigh University and against the Vietnam War, including his legal defense of the Muhlenberg 5, he fought tirelessly for the causes he believed in. As a former member of the Bethlehem School Board, a long-time member of numerous community organizations, including LEPOCO, the ACLU, Boy Scouts of America, and others, and as an attorney for numerous community groups and causes, Don spent countless hours serving his community. Don devoted his later years to working as a leader with the Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania chapters of the Sierra Club and WDIY 88.1 FM, his beloved community public radio station. In his law practice and as a volunteer, he also worked tirelessly to protect natural resources locally and regionally, including helping to lead the effort to designate Delaware Water Gap a National Park.

Don loved the community as he loved his family, and he will be missed by both. He is survived by his sons, Michael William (Dr. Alexandra Stevens) Miles of Bellaire, TX, and Stephen Paul (Lauren Scott) Miles of Pittsburgh; his beloved grandchildren: Henry William Miles and Benjamin Arthur Miles, & Cole Julian Scott; his sister: Linda S. (Peter) Aagard of Nellysford, VA; his nephews: Peter, Brian & Kevin Aagard; and his nieces: Stephanie Meer & Melissa Bronstein.

A memorial and remembrance will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be offered at connellfuneral.com.

Contributions: in lieu of flowers memorials may be made to WDIY, 301 Broadway, Bethlehem, PA 18015 and/or the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Sierra Club, www.sierrraclub.org.