Celestino "Tino" Miranda

Celestino “Tino” Miranda, 92, a Tampa native passed away quietly on September 24 after a long illness

with his Parkinson’s disease. He was predeceased by Elvira “Abie”, his loving wife of 57 years; his brother Albert Miranda, his mother Aurelia Gutierrez Miranda, his father Antonio Miranda, his sister Remedios Miranda (Valenti) Lopez. Tino is survived by his two nieces, Alice Ann Valenti Gonzalez (Ron) and Yvonne Andrea Valenti; two grand nieces Allyson Celeste Gonzalez and Helen Hope Miranda, a grand nephew Ronnie Gonzalez; and several godchildren.

After Jefferson High, he joined the Marines at 17 years old, did basic training at Paris Island, South Carolina and then was stationed at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. Tino was an expert marksman., a gunnery sergeant, and received several commendations. He served 14 months in front line combat in the Korean War, including being one of the “Chosen Frozen” of Pork Chop Hill. After his military service, he returned to his Tampa home and married Abie, the girl next door and the love of his life. He then continued his education, graduating from the University of Tampa, and receiving his Masters from Vanderbilt Peabody Teachers’ College in Nashville, Tennessee. Tino taught math in junior and senior high schools, had been math department chairperson and chess club sponsor, and more during his 30 years teaching in Hillsborough County School District. After retiring, he continued working part-time at a local cigar store and as a pharmacy assistant for a close family friend.

Tino and Abie loved dancing, traveling and socializing with their many friends and relatives. Tino and Abie were wonderful dancers and could be seen around Tampa with many family and / or friends enjoying fine dining, dancing and listening to music. Tino loved classic country music, the crooners, latin, and popular rock and roll. Their many travels were to New York City (visiting his many maternal family members), to Acapulco, Mexico, to enjoy the sites and shows in Las Vegas, New Orleans, Branson, Biloxi. Miami, Puerto Rico; and to Celestino’s parents family in Asturias, Spain. Tino was very proud of his Asturian heritage. He was a member of Gasparilla’s Sant Yago “Ye Mystic Crewe”, the American Legion, and Sons of Italy.

Celestino had a positive impact on many people’s lives. He enjoyed a full and rewarding life. May he rest in peace alongside his many previously departed family and friends whom he loved.