Thomas Joseph Mirante Jr.

Thomas "Tommy" Joseph Mirante, Jr. passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025 at the age of 87.

He was a first-generation Italian American born to Thomas J. Mirante, Sr. and Dora Scarpello in Seattle, Washington on September 27, 1937. Tommy was joyful and full of life from a very young age.

He is survived by his beloved wife Judy of over 60 years; sons Mark Mirante (Zan), Nick Mirante (Kendra), Anthony Mirante (Jen); daughters Janina (Mirante) Haller (Dan) and Nicole Mirante-Matthews (Jayson); fifteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; brother Nick Mirante; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Tommy grew up in the Rainier Valley neighborhood of Seattle, the middle child of seven siblings – five brothers and one sister. He attended Mt. Virgin Grade School then Franklin High School and graduated in 1956. After graduation, Tommy joined the Coast Guard Reserves and went active duty with many of his Italian buddies. On July 4th, 1957, he was severely injured on ‘The Winona’. After major surgery to save Tommy’s life at 19 years old, the Coast Guard medically retired him. He then decided to attend college at Seattle University to become a teacher.

Tommy met Judy, the love of his life, in the summer of 1961. They started dating a year later and were inseparable through his college years, then were engaged to be married in the fall of 1963. Upon graduation from Seattle University in 1964 with his teaching degree, Tommy and Judy were married two weeks later on June 27, 1964.

Tommy was a gifted educator for more than 40 years, initially as a 6th Grade Teacher and then as a Physical Education Teacher. He inspired his students and received numerous teaching awards. Tommy was a man of deep faith and his Catholic beliefs guided him all his life. He always served his church community, from altar boy to lector.

The greatest joy of Tommy’s life was his amazing marriage and the gift of his children that filled his every day. Tommy and Judy made their home in Kent, Washington and spent summers with the family at their adored cabin on Hood Canal, where they created some of their most treasured and joyous memories. Tommy loved being on the water, swimming, playing on the beach, and teaching his kids how to waterski and to just have fun.

The ‘Mirante Cabin’ became a central spot among the community with an open door policy for anyone who wanted to stop by for a meal or Tommy’s great evening bonfires.

Tommy often marveled at how he got “so lucky” with such a beautiful wife and five healthy kids, while his family always felt like they were the lucky ones. Tommy was a loving, spirited, hilariously funny, and deeply committed father. And a sweet “Papa” to all his grandkids. His love was always profound and unconditional.

Tommy was a complete original, and his jubilant personality shone through everything he did. He possessed a childlike curiosity and awe about the world and the people he met. Tommy loved singing Sinatra songs to family, friends, and others, always with a deep passion to entertain and build community.

Tommy lived and loved beautifully, and will be missed forever by Judy, his children and grandchildren, and all who were lucky enough to know and love him.

Funeral Mass to be held Friday, April 4th at 11am at St. Philomena Catholic Church 1790 S. 222nd St. Des Moines WA 98198 followed by a reception at 12:30pm at St. Thomas at 4415 S. 140th St., Tukwila, WA 98168.

Tommy is pre-deceased by his adored, beautiful grandson Dominic Joseph Mirante who’s missed deeply and eternally. Tommy will join Dominic for his final resting place at Holyrood in Shoreline, WA in a private burial ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tommy’s honor to:

St. Jude’s Hospital

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=home-btn-donate-now

Habitat for Humanity

https://secure.habitat.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30066a?df_id=7212&mfc_pref=T&7212.donation=form1&keyword=button-header-single&NONCE_TOKEN=4230D4F2B191B0D876DB1C76AEF7E9CA