Michael Anthony Miranda Jr.

Michael Anthony Miranda, Jr., 98, of Curry Road, Rotterdam, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on Tuesday, February 10, 2009. Mike, "Uncle Mike" as he was affectionately known by all, was born in Scotia, NY but returned to Italy with his family and spent his formative years there before returning to the U.S. at age 19. He was a World War II veteran in the U.S. Army from January 1942 until his honorable discharge in October 1945, having served in battles at Ardennes Central Europe, Normandy, France, Rhineland and Sicily. He received several decorations and citations including the European African Middle Eastern Sevice Medal for good conduct. He was also wounded in battle but declined a Purple Heart Medal to remain with his troop rather than returning to stateside. Upon his discharge, "Uncle Mike" returned to Schenectady where he was employed by the Locomotive Company for many years. He also worked as a baker until settling on what would have become his trademark as a tile setter. He retired from the Boulevard Rug Company in 1980 with over 15 years of service. He was predeceased by his parents, Antoinette and Michael Miranda of Dragoni, Italy; his brother, Pat and wife, Minnie Miranda; and his brother, Joseph Miranda, all from Schenectady; his brother, Nick of Dragoni, Italy and two nephews, Michael "Sonny" Miranda of Rotterdam and Mike Miranda of Schenectady. Survivors include his wife, Marion (formerly Mastroianni) of 63 years; and his son, Michael Miranda of Guilderland; and a brother, Ralph of Dragoni, Italy; his sister-in-law, Nicolina Miranda of Schenectady and her family; and Lucy Miranda of Rotterdam. In addition, he is survived by his very close great-nephews and niece, Pat (Debbie) Miranda and their children, Christina, Patrick and Matthew and Jackie (Vernon) Aldershoff and their son, Dmitri, all of Schenectady, Dr. Michael Miranda (Jessica) and their children, Sydney and Megan of Hartford, CT and Richard (Amy) Miranda and their children, Karissa, Paige and Gabriel, all of Westminster, Maryland. Many other nieces and nephews also survive. The family wishes to thank Schenectady Hospice for their support and services during the last several months as well asto his cardiologist, Dr. David Armenia and his physician assistant, Kathy, for the many years of care they have provided. Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for calling hours Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan Street, Schenectady. Funeral service will begin Saturday morning at 8:15 a.m. from the Daly Funeral Home then to Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Princetown Road, Rotterdam, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Entombment will follow the Mass in Schenectady Memorial Park Mausoleum, Giffords Church Road, Rotterdam. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Community of Hospice, the American Heart Association and/or the Veterans Administration. Visit www.dalyfuneralhome.com.