Leon Miami

MIAMI, Leon Lino (Miani) Sunday, Feb. 14, Leon left this earth to be with our eternal Father. He succumbed to a longstanding illness. He is greatly missed by family & friends. He was born on Aug. 24, 1928, in Catignano, Italy, second son of Orazio & Christina Miani; immigrated to Derby, CT September, 1930, married Norma Lambert of Somerville, MA on Oct. 27, 1951, they moved to St. Petersburg, in August, 1953. He was a man of many talents with a zest for life, always lending a hand to many causes. Leon & his brood were a founding family at Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Gulfport. He helped build pews for the temporary church, drove the church bus for 10 years to bring those unable to drive to Mass every Sunday, helped maintain the church property & vehicles and he coordinated the first Oktoberfest. He joined the Knights of Columbus, Pius Xll Council 5131, Gulfport, in their charter year of 1962, served for more than 10 years as the Financial Secretary starting in 1971, and served as Grand Knight for several terms. He was a 4th degree Knight, Frank J. Lewis Assembly. He joined the Serra Club in 1975, an organization to foster vocations to the Priesthood & Religious life; he served years as the Financial Secretary, a term as President in 1984 and a term as District Governor in 1985. He was in the Italian-American Society, served years as both the Financial Secretary and the set-up co-coordinator for the International Folk Fair. He was also member of the Cursillo community. Leon & Norma enjoyed years traveling in their 5th wheel trailer with the Bay-Jay camping club, served with Norma as secretary, treasurer, president, & once lead the annual State Jamboree. He used the God given talent of his mind & hands to accomplish many creative projects, built beautiful & creative homes beyond accepted standards, repaired anything mechanical that others could not, & was the Superintendent of Maintenance at the Cathedral of St. Jude for 16 years. Leon is survived by his wife of 58 years, Norma; sons Lino (Maria) & Kenneth Miani; daughters Christina (Jim) Chism, Jeanine Miami & Cynthia (Alex) Miani; grandchildren Lino (Yoko) & Gabriel Miani, Tania (Brian) Hummel, Jeremy & Kevin (Jessica) Chism, Knoah & Karson Miani; his brother Tony (Nancy) Miani, of NY; sisters Rita (Nick) Grassi & Phil DeMichael of CT; many cousins, nieces, nephews and godchildren. Viewing 4-8 pm Friday, Feb. 19, Gee & Sorensen, Funeral 11 am Saturday, Feb. 20, Holy Name Church, Internment 10 am Monday, Feb. 22, Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, make a donation to Most Holy Name of Jesus Church or to the Serra Club c/o Cathedral of St Jude. www.GeeandSorensen.com