John Miranda

John Miranda was born November 6, 1935, one of five children, he grew up in the Pasadena- Monrovia area. In 1954 my father joined the military ARMY to be exacted. He was part of the 82nd airborne, he had plenty of stories of jumping at night where you couldn’t see the ground and how important it was to keep your feet dry and once said not everyone can be airborne. He had a lot of pictures of him and his fellow brothers (paratroopers) sitting at tables with all the beers in front of them and all of them with great big smiles. John was honorably discharged in 1957John later became a painter for automobiles, I was told of him and his Brother Jimmy after work drinking which is now referred to as a handle (gallon) of vodka. My dad said it was to help remove the paint fumes and sanding particles from there throats. My dad later became a Body Shop Manager and finally retired when he was in his 60’s. Boy he could spot out a vehicle that had any type of body work done, then point out that whoever painted that vehicle did a poor job, but I could never see it until he went to the vehicle and point out the flaws. He just had the eye for it.

John married my mother on August 30,1958 and this past August celebrated their 62 anniversaries. On September 2,1969 I was born from the pictures you can tell he was happy and proud to be a father. In fact by my name you can tell what football team he liked (Ram) Ray Andrew Miranda

On March 13,1992, my dad became a Grandpa, his first Grandchild was Andrew, he was vey proud as pictures show that big smile. Then on November 19,1993 his Granddaughter was born. He was so delighted that he had a Grandson and Granddaughter, he loved them so much, he was so proud of them. My dad acquired the nickname “PAPA”.

My father was a noticeably quiet person, he was always observing everyone and everything. He was respected and loved by everyone who came to know him. His actions spoke louder than his words. He was always cool, calm, and collective. He was the type of man that would hold his emotions inside, but clearly you knew he loved you by his actions. He was that type of man that would do anything for his family, no questions asked, that is how good of a heart he had. He had a very generous heart, a heart that went through a quad triple bypass surgery some 30 years ago. He loved all his brothers, sisters, nephews, aunts, and uncles, and especially his Airborne Brothers. He looked forward to the annual picnic and the Christmas dinner. Every Memorial Day he would come where we are today to leave flowers for his family who passed before him.

My father loved to work on his yard, taking care of the plants, watering, planting, pruning. He loved to be outside. He once told me you need to talk to the plants so that they are happy and will grow. He was also proud when Rosie and I became more involved with the church. In February 2020, my father was my best man as Rosie, and I married through the Catholic Church in California City at Lady of Lourdes.

A few years back my father was diagnosed with congenital heart failure. But that did not stop him he continued to do what he wanted to do. Just recently at a doctor’s appointment he was told that his health was deteriorating, and he should be living the best that he could. ( He didn’t have much time) this I learned after his passing. I asked my mother why he did not tell me, and her response was Your dad did not want to worry anyone, especially you. This was the type of man my father was. He spent his 85th Birthday alone in San Antonio Hospital in Upland, he received his Last Rite on Saturday November 14,2020, and was called home Sunday November 15,2020 at approximately 11 am (the Lords Day)

We Love Papa you will always remain in our hearts forever, this is not a goodbye, but a see you again soon.

Your Loving Son,

Ray A Miranda