Louis Miranda

Louis Miranda passed away quietly on September 11, 2017. He was born on Staten Island, New York, the son of Mary (Del Valle) and Angel Manuel Miranda, a carpenter and lock expert. As a young man, Louis became a proud member of the Civilian Conservation Corps, training and working as a forest fireman in Idaho, Montana, Oklahoma, and the great Northwest. He often spoke of these years as some of the greatest and most exciting learning experiences of his life. Upon his return to New York City, Louis met, fell in love, and married Esperanza (Arroyo), with whom he had four children; Eileen, Louis, Charles, and the late Michael Miranda.

Louis spent many years in sales as a sole proprietor of a dry-goods concern. His longtime love of cooking was realized when he went to cooking school, graduating first in his class, and finding employment at Union College, in Schenectady, N.Y. He eventually joined his son, Louie, in Hollywood, Florida, where he found longtime employment at the Diplomat Hotel. During his time off, Louis spent many sunny days there pedaling around the town, and enjoyed the excitement of the nearby horse races. His later years were spent volunteering; first managing a thrift store in south Florida, and then as part of the meal delivery personnel at Sumner Regional Medical Center, in Gallatin, TN, officially retiring at the age of ninety.

During the last 11 years, Louis resided at Christian Towers, living independently, once again enjoying city life, albeit small compared to his first love New York City.

Remembrances from his family: From daughter Eileen: Pop was the patriarch and cornerstone of our family. I saw him as quiet but observant. As a father, he educated us to open our minds to everything and everyone, and to be respectful. I remember his creativity and industriousness; developing packaging for cashews sold on the subway that earned him a promotion to assistant manager, and making post-ems before they were invented (I even sold them in school when I was 10!). He made sure we had what our hearts desired - even when I asked for a transistor kit from Santa, traditionally a boy's activity, Pop delivered and praised my efforts. Since I was the oldest, he took me crabbing on the Hudson River and taught me how to bait the nets. I never ate the crabs but I sure could catch them. Pop taught us to love, and that family was first. He loved us unconditionally. I'm so glad he was able to see his grandkids and great-grandkids, sharing his stories and teaching them.

From Ronnie (Charles): Pop was a man of great gentility who never hesitated to extend his hand in friendship. He always took the opportunity to offer a kind word of encouragement. Quick to forgive and respectful of everyone, Pop never felt the need to speak ill of others, and lived by the tenet of treating all those he met as he wanted them to treat him. He was a man of few words, whose actions spoke volumes in kindness and intellect. One of my fondest memories of Pop will always be the words he used to guide me, "Piano (gentle and quiet), and everything in moderation." My father will always be my hero and the man I never wanted to disappoint. My success was always because I knew he cared about me and would never stop loving me regardless of the outcomes. All he ever wanted was for me to do my best and that was all the inspiration and encouragement that I needed . . . Thanks Pop, rest in peace.

A memorial mass will be held at a later date at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Gallatin.

Arrangements Entrusted To: Alexander Funeral Home and Cremation, 584 Nashville Pike, (615)392-5595 www.alexandergallatin.com