Joseph Raul Miranda, steadfast advisor, devoted father, quick-witted idealist, true believer in “tough love,” and the most meticulous man in the universe, died on January 8, 2017. Dad, Toto, and Uncle Joe leaves so many memories with those of us lucky enough to know him in this life. His life was an example of completing what you start and making good choices.
Born to Jose Miranda and Carmen Navarro on December 18, 1929 in New York City, he had stories of working at “Horn and Hardart” and raising chickens in a high-rise apartment. Dad’s childhood saw a New York City that he didn’t really care to stay in so he joined the Army Air Corps (later the United States Air Force) in 1947. He was a medic and ambulance driver at first and later a Radiology Technologist. He was an ideal military man with his natural organized ways and discipline, and he served 23-years in the Air Force. Dad always did his best--from his proud participation in astronaut clinical screening at Brooks AFB School of Aerospace Medicine early in his career, to providing compassionate care to the countless patients he served over his many professional years. He served the Air Force in Goose Bay, Labrador, Ramstein, Germany and bases in Alaska, Arizona, Kansas, and Texas.
He retired from the military to New Braunfels in 1970, served as Director of Radiology Services at McKenna Memorial Hospital for over a decade, and lived out the rest of his years there.
Joseph married Margaret Garcia on December 20, 1951 and shared 64 years with her until her death on November 14, 2015. Together Joe and Margaret raised 5 children, enjoyed 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren! In addition to Margaret, he was pre-deceased by his great-granddaughter Lily Leverenz.
Our father valued life skills and education. While he did not have a college degree, he made college his number one priority for his five children. It was important to him that both his sons and daughters earn a college degree often emphasizing that a degree was something that could not be taken away from us. When their youngest graduated from college in 1994, Joe and Margaret completed near 25-years of paying college tuition. The sacrifices they made provided rewarding opportunities for their children and grandchildren that continue even today. Empowering his children through education while also teaching them humility is Dad’s greatest legacy.
Joseph is survived by his son Dr. Joseph R. Miranda and his wife Patricia, Daughter Sandra McGee and her husband Richard, Son Stephen D. Miranda and his wife Cara, Daughter Laura Thomas and her husband David and Daughter Angela Pena, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
As a man with a beginning that could have led to a very different journey in this life, we are proud to say our Dad overcame many challenges and taught us the importance of integrity and persistence while not forgetting to take time to laugh! Thank you for your wisdom and guidance Dad! We love you and will be forever grateful.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18