Milton LeGrande Britton, Sr.

June 22, 1945 - October 30, 2024

Milton L. Britton, Sr. was born on June 22, 1945 to Milton and Mary (Norwood) Britton of Fairmont, West Virginia. The family, that included his sister Violet, moved from Fairmont to Boston, MA when Milton was quite young. Milton's younger sisters, Crystal (deceased) and Linda completed the family circle at that time.

Milton joined Twelfth Baptist Church, Roxbury in 1958. He was a charter member of the Children's Choir under the leadership of Mrs. Clara A. Jenkins, the Junior Usher Board and the Baptist Youth Fellowship (BYF). His favorite Sunday School teacher was the late Deacon Leon Wilson.

Milton attended Boston Public Schools and graduated from Boston Technical high school where he was Tech's best middle distance runner, specifically in the half mile, 880 yards and the 600 yards races. Milton steadily trained and strengthened his athleticism and included cross country competition at Franklin Park among his track and field accomplishments.

In 1963, Milton was accepted to Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), Hampton, VA which is fondly known as "Our Home by the Sea." Milton became a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Graduate Chapter. Milton treasured his years at Hampton and eagerly encouraged graduating high school seniors to seriously consider Hampton as their number one college choice. During Milton's Hampton years, he met and fell in love with Ruth Ann Washington. After graduating from Hampton Institute, Milton and Ruth married in June 1968 and moved back home to Boston. Zina Michelle and Milton LeGrande, Jr. rounded out this loving family of four.

As Milton began his professional career, he worked in many capacities including as a teen counselor at the Norfolk House Centre, John Eliot Square, Roxbury. The most notable position of his career was with the Massachusetts Trial Court where Milton served for 30 years, contributing feedback to protocols and recommending various men and women for open positions, many of which were subsequently hired.  During this time, Milton earned a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA. Milton also played an integral role in training newly appointed Probation Officers, as well as developing and facilitating the Fatherhood Program and workshops through which many young fathers learned and practiced the intricacies of supportive and loving parenting. Milton retired from the MA Trial Court in 2000 as Chief Probation Officer.

Milton and Ruth moved from Boston to Martha's Vineyard in 2001. Milton thoroughly enjoyed Island life for 22 years, especially while entertaining family and friends, relaxing at the beach, reading the daily news or reflecting on his life's journey while gazing at the inner bay.  Milton liked to be busy. He worked at Cape Air Airlines. As a result of Milton's easy going personality, he was a good candidate for substitute teaching. He substituted at his Alma Marta in Boston and at the local high school on the Vineyard. Students often greeted him with, 'Hello Mr. Britton', as he ran errands and was seen throughout the Island.  As his health became more challenging, Milton and Ruth relocated to Quincy, MA in 2023.

Milton loved his family more than life. The intimate family gatherings, birthdays, and cookouts were special moments for Milton. He looked forward to the annual Britton/Crim Family reunions which celebrated 50 plus years of consecutive reunions across the country. Milton coined the B/C theme: "FAMILY LOVE IS FOREVER" and designed the family banner which is passed on from host city to host city.

Milton is survived by his devoted wife Ruth Ann, daughter Zina (Henry 'Hank'), son Milton Jr. (Lori); the apples of his eye, his grandchildren: Ashley Osinubi (Olu), Sydni and Jordyn, niece and goddaughter Shelby Smither (Ernest III), grandniece, Sierra Smither, grandnephew, Ernest Smither, IV, his sisters Violet (Anthony), Dr. Linda Cabral (Rudolph) and a host of family and friends.