Francis A. Mirigliano

Helenor J. Mirigliano, age 92, born September 8, 1925, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed away September 24, 2017 preceding her husband Francis (Frank) A. Mirigliano,age 92. He was born May 15, 1925, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and passed away on January 10, 2018. They both passed away in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from congestive heart failure. Their deaths of less than four months apart speaks to their life together of over 62 years and it is fitting they are remembered together. Most people would say they were "connected at the hip" inseparable in so many ways.

Mrs. Mirigliano was preceded in death by her parents Hannah and Harry Robbins, brother Leonard A. Robbins and sister Beatrice Blitz.

Mr. Mirigliano was preceded in death by his parents Rose and Nicholas Mirigliano and his brother Nicholas.

Mr. and Mrs. Mirigliano exemplified the attributes of the "greatest generation" - a strong work ethic, self-reliance, prudent, quiet pride in their accomplishments, honor and commitment to marriage. Together they worked hard with loving hearts to build a life well lived.

Mr. Mirigliano entered the Army Air Force in 1943 and trained in Miami Beach. Like so many G.I's he left training with "sand in his shoes" hoping to one day to return to Florida.

After receiving additional training in New Mexico he was stationed on Tinian Island assigned to the B-29 39th Bombing Squadron known as the "Bat out of Hell", flying in the gunner position. Like many veterans he rarely spoke of actual military engagements but liked to speak about his flight experiences on the B-29 "Snuggle Bunny" flying in extreme cold temperatures wearing a heavy leather flight suit and often regaled his life experiences while stationed on the island. It was only recently he talked about witnessing the atomic bomb being loaded onto the Enola Gay prior to the attack on Hiroshima. He related the men were ordered that hot night to move all the aircraft from their hangars positioning them in a staggered line formation and to remain onboard. They sat on their planes in boxer shorts and tee shirts with their side arms ready in the event of Japanese retaliation. He would chuckle at the thought of hand guns making a difference in that instance.

After his honorable discharge as corporal he returned to Temple University earning a business degree and pursued a career as an insurance claims adjustor.

Upon their marriage in1955 he and Mrs. Mirigliano did return to South Florida with "sand in his shoes" deciding to settle in Ft. Lauderdale when the city was a small community. Often they reminisced about their early years in Ft. Lauderdale - the restaurants, the department stores and many landmarks that are no longer - the swing bridge over New River at U.S. 1 (now the tunnel), the Pioneer House restaurant (now the restored historic home of Frank and Ivy Stranahan), Creighton's restaurant, dancing at the Reef restaurant and many more.

As Mr. Mirigliano pursued his career as an insurance claims adjustor Mrs. Mirigliano pursued her career as a bookkeeper and office manager to a land developer/building contractor. With other women actively working in the construction field she was a founding member the Fort Lauderdale chapter of Women In Construction and was the first president. She later studied to become a licensed real estate salesperson and Licensed Real Estate Broker.

In the late 1960's Mr. Mirigliano transitioned his career from claims adjustor to a Licensed Real Estate Broker and he and his wife opened their real estate firm, Just-Rite Reality, being instrumental in the development of the Ft. Lauderdale real estate market.

Even though Mr. and Mrs. Mirigliano were industrious and worked extremely hard building their prestigious real estate firm they enjoyed life with adventures of sailing, fishing and air travels throughout North and South America. Mrs. Mirigliano was very much a people person and nurtured many friendships during their travels especially enjoying their friends in Seattle and Las Vegas. She was an avid collector of "turtle" memorabilia and became known to family and friends as "the turtle lady".

But what gave them the most pleasure was their adventures with their grandson from fishing and boating to their air travel trips that took them to Seattle, San Francisco, Alaska, San Diego and others. On their travels his grandparents filled his life with fun and memories. But more importantly Christopher remembers his grandparents encouraging him to work hard in all facets of his life. They took great pride in their grandson's accomplishments.

Mr. and Mrs. Mirigliano are survived by their daughter Francine Schwartz husband Robert, grandson Christopher Wolfe, wife Alycia, great granddaughter, Caitlyn and great grandsons Nathan and Nicholas. They are also survived by their nieces Laurette Robbins, Lou Ellen Robbins, Janice Blitz Feldman, husband David and nephews Stuart Blitz, wife Jo Ann and David Blitz, wife Nimmi, and many great nieces and nephews.

Upon her wishes Mrs. Mirigliano was cremated with her ashes to be interred with Mr. Mirigliano as he is buried with military honors at the Sarasota National Cemetery, February 6, 2018, 11:30 a.m. The Family requests memorial donations be made to the Sea Turtle Conservancy.