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Albert Mirand Obituary
July 18, 1926 – Feb. 24, 2015
Albert G. Mirand, a World War II combat veteran and retired school principal, died Tuesday in Hospice of the Comforter, Altamonte Springs, Fla., after a short illness. He was 88.
Born in Buffalo, he enlisted in the Army after graduating from Fosdick-Masten Park High School in 1944. He served in combat as a staff sergeant in the 1st Cavalry Division. One of 121 members of the famed special rangers unit of the 6th Battalion, he participated in the liberation of the Cabanatuan prisoner-of-war camp in the Philippines, freeing more than 500 survivors of the Bataan Death March. The mission has been documented in Hampton Sides' book, "Ghost Soldiers" and the movie, "The Great Raid." He also was part of the occupation forces in Tokyo until 1946.
He earned a bachelor of arts degree in social studies and biological sciences from the University of Buffalo in 1950, where he played football for the UB Bulls. He later earned a master's degree in education from the University of Buffalo in 1962.
Mr. Mirand began his longtime teaching career at Cleveland Hill High School in Cheektowaga in 1951, where he coached the football team, winning four division championships, and wrestling, winning three division championships from 1953 to 1968. He taught social studies and biology until 1969 and served as chairman of the social studies department from 1957-69.
He later held the position of assistant principal at the high school from 1969-76. He was assistant to the superintendent as well as district curriculum coordinator from 1969-80 and served as principal of Cleveland Hill Middle School from 1977-80 and at Cleveland Hill Primary/Middle Schools from 1980-82, when he retired.
After retirement, he moved to Winter Springs, Fla.
Mr. Mirand was founder and past president of++ Western New York Football Coaches Association. He was recipient of several awards, including Western New York Football Coaches Award in 1956, 1960 and 1964; Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriotism Award in 1980; Western New York Directors Award in 1970; and Outstanding Service Award-Cleveland Hill Teachers' Association in 1978.
Survivors include his wife, the former Nancy Kowalski; three sons, Michael, Timothy and John; two daughters, Dr. Amy Mirand and Melissa Townsend; a brother, Dr. Edwin Mirand; and 12 grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Monday in St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Church, 157 Cleveland Drive, Cheektowaga.
Memories and Condolences
for Albert Mirand
Christopher Spraggins
February 21, 2020
Good Father and friend, RIP.
Jim Keen
March 13, 2015
Mr. Mirand was my teacher and coach. He developed in me a love of history and I will always remember the cold winter nights he gave me a ride home and the mentoring that came with them. I've always kept a special place in my memories of CHHS for him. Class of "59"
colleen oneill
March 7, 2015
Praying that in time you all find comfort in your memories. Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Father.
Colleen, Tim and Kyleigh O'Neill
Debra Colt
March 3, 2015
Deepest sympathy to John and the entire Mirand family. I will never forget Mr. Mirand. He was principal when I was hired at Cleveland Hill. He was so kind and helpful, a truly honorable man. Prayers during this sad time.
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Nancy Robinson
March 3, 2015
John, Please accept my deepest sympathy and extend my condolences to the entire Mirand family.
March 3, 2015
Melissa, Amy and all of the Mirand Family: Al was a good neighbor and friend. We have fond memories of Al while growing up. Our deepest sympathy to all.
The DeLuca Family
March 2, 2015
Mr. Mirand instilled in me a love of and the importance of history. My condolences to his family.
Dennis Harlach
March 2, 2015
You will be remembered and missed. You probably would never have remembered me. But you lit the flame that carried me through an intensive year long Air Force tech school during the "cold war".
Dorothy Ciminelli Delmonte
March 2, 2015
On behalf of the Bridget Ciminelli family and her children, I offer our condolences. Our family (twin brothers Lenny and Larry played football at Cleve Hill)shared many a spaghetti dinner together at my Mom's house. Our father had died when we were young children, but Al and his
co-workers filled us with a sense of community and school support, always going the extra mile to help out. As an adult, when I sent my visually impaired child to Cleveland Hill, Al was there to provide direction and guidance, again. We will never forget him or his unassuming ways. He was an educator and a friend, and he has touched our lives forever.
Wishing all of you peace,
Dorothy Ciminelli Delmonte
March 2, 2015
You taught me to love history and to see the world as a past, present and future. Rest well, see you on the other side. Martha Ebling Sullens class of 1967.
Dave Baehre
March 2, 2015
A man of stature, a man of men, a dynamic person who loved his his school, students, his teachers and staff. A patriot for America...he honored the fallen and always remembered the sacrifices that occurred on the day of the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941 .... Mr. Albert Mirand will forever be in the halls of Cleveland Hill. I will miss my good friend. Deepest condolences to the Mirand family...Rest In Peace.
Barb Souter
March 1, 2015
My deepest sympathy to you Amy, and the entire Mirand family. Please relay my thoughts, and a hug, to your Uncle Edwin as well. I pray that all of your wonderful memories will, in time, help ease your sorrow. With Love and Prayers. Barb
frank Daddario
March 1, 2015
Tim, so sorry to hear of the passing of your father.
Christopher & Sandie Spraggins
March 1, 2015
For the 14 years I knew Mr. Mirand, he was kind and always extending his wisdom. To the Mirand Family, my God be with you all in your time of sorrow.
February 28, 2015
Dear Family--You have lost a backbone in your family and I have lost a great friend. I had a different relationship with each one of you and Al was always there. Who will ever forget those bus rides to the Dunes?? Sincerely--Chuck Osborne
Mark Danney
February 28, 2015
To Nancy, The Family of Al Mirand, and every person who was touched by this man's incredible influence:
He was my teacher, my coach, and my mentor. But for the last 20 years he has been a distant but loving friend. As the Christmas season rolled around, I refused to start celebrating until I received in the mail in early December, a greeting card from Al and Nancy. In addition to the usual holiday greeting, Al always reviewed the year in sports. He was proud that my son was a Longhorn football player and raved about his teammate Ricky Williams. He knew in 1999 that the San Antonio Spurs would be a dynasty with Coach Popovich and the players that he recruited. He complained about the celebrity status of athletes. However he admired the their athletic abilities. He always encouraged me to continue my career and care for my family. I was thrilled several years ago when I had the opportunity to have dinner with Al and Nancy in Orlando when my wife and youngest son met Al. His encouragement to Nicholas will always be remembered. I hope that someone out there will begin my holiday season by sending me a Christmas card in Al's memory.
Conrad Toepfer
February 28, 2015
It was my privilege to work with Al at CHHS and I was honored to be his friend and colleague. A exemplar of integrity, great teacher, distinguished colleague, Al was one of the best. I learned much from and with him. My wife Jeannie and I extend our sincere condolences to his family. MEMORY ETERNAL!
Gary Haley
February 28, 2015
an Eagle Is flying high over the Mirand family. A mentor, teacher and coach and a huge loss for those that went to Cleve Hill. He and Mr Puff can now continue their journey in teaching and coaching as part of that all star team in the sky.
Bob Williams
February 27, 2015
To the Mirand Family, Mr. Mirand was my football coach in 1959-60 at Cleveland Hill High School. I always had great respect for him and am sadden to hear of his passing. We had been exchanging Christmas greetings over the past few years,with always the hope of meeting during the summer. He has a special place in my memories and am thankful for having known him. Bob Williams, Class of 1961
Jody Farrell
February 27, 2015
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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