Rodolfo Javier Miro

Rodolfo Javier Miro, 60, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025, following a courageous eight-year battle with Esthesioneuroblastoma. 

A resident of Lakeland, Florida, Rudy was born in Dayton Ohio, on August 10, 1964. Rudy was a first generation American; his parents were forced to flee Cuba a few years prior to Rudy's birth.

 Rudy spent his early years growing up in Dayton Ohio, Fort Howard Maryland, and Petersburg Virginia. When he was six years old his family moved to Lakeland. He attended St. Joseph's Catholic School and Church, Southwest Middle School, and Santa Fe Catholic High School. 

An avid swimmer, Rudy swam competitively from the age of seven and often was ranked regionally and at state levels in his age group. Rudy was also a gifted basketball player and a high school varsity letterman. 

Rudy attended Tulane University where he continued to swim competitively. Later, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from University of South Florida. He earned a Juris Doctorate from St. Thomas University Benjamin L. Crump College of Law and received the Academic Achievement Award in Immigration Law. Rudy later earned a Master's in Business Administration from University of South Florida. 

In 1997, Rudy was admitted to the Florida Bar. He was a skilled litigator and managing attorney, devising systems for growth and efficiency. Rudy was accomplished in both corporate law and private practice and was known to mentor attorneys. He practiced in Tampa and South Florida. 

On July 6, 2006, Rudy’s son Alexander “Alex” Javier Miro was born. On that day, Rudy began his most treasured role as a loving and devoted father. Just as his father, Rudy was diligent with Alex’s studies. Rudy loved to travel and explore the world with his son. Alex was Rudy’s pride and joy.

Throughout his life Rudy maintained his love of swimming. At the age of 52 he was training in Ft. Lauderdale for the Ocean Mile Swim. Before he could compete, Rudy suffered his first seizure. He was diagnosed on January 3, 2017, and spent the next eight years fighting cancer with every ounce of his strength.

Family, friends, and colleagues admired and loved Rudy for his steadfast loyalty, gentle kindness, gregarious personality, and radiant smile. 

Rudy is preceded in death by his father Dr. Rodolfo Garcia Miro. He is survived by his mother Maria Luisa (Gonzalez), his son Alexander Javier Miro, his sister Lourdes Miro, and his brother Francis Miro. Rudy is also survived by his nephew Remy Bird Miro, Alex’s mother Carmen Reyes, and Remy’s mother Debi Bird.

 A funeral mass will be held Friday, February 14, 2025, at 2:00 pm with Eulogies at 1:45 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 210 W. Lemon Street in Lakeland, Florida. 

Memorial donations may be offered to St. Joseph Church, Good Shepherd Hospice, or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.heathfuneralchapel.com.