Frank Michael Miranda

May 6, 1952 - October 1, 2016

Frank Miranda, born May 6, 1952, passed away unexpectedly October 1, 2016, in Gilbert, AZ. Frank is survived by his loving wife, Deborah and his sons; Todd, Micah, and Drew, three daughter-in-laws as well as five grandchildren.

Born to Anne and Mike Miranda in Tucson, Frank grew up playing the devoted role of big brother to Annette and Vera. Raised in a large Italian family, he was continually surrounded by aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and their “friends.” In his early years, Frank quickly earned a reputation with the nuns due to hyperactivity; this energy level served him well in athletics. He excelled at both football and baseball at Catalina High School, which earned him a baseball scholarship to the University of Arizona. Before college graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Debbi Jones, at St. Phillips of the Hills Episcopal Church underneath the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains.

Frank led an active life. He always dreamed of playing in the big leagues and loved the time he spent playing semi-pro throughout his adult life. While his sons were young, he was always volunteering as a coach. Whether it was basketball, soccer or baseball he was always active in the local community.

Frank and Debbi raised their family in Mesa, AZ where they watched with pride as their three boys grew to men.  He was proud of his family, but he was most proud of being “POP” to his grandkids.

He spent thirty years in the ceramic tile industry which began in Tucson with a brief stop in Albuquerque, NM, before eventually settling in greater Phoenix. Whether it was serving on the Board of Directors for the Arizona State Association of Tile Contractors, or serving as Education Committee Chairman and board member, Frank was a respected industry expert. He developed many close friendships with those he worked with over the years.

When Frank was not on the baseball field or golf course he could be found “putzing” around the house, tackling various home improvement projects. If his projects were complete, he most certainly was lending a hand to one of his boys.  He had a saying, “If you can’t finish a project on Sunday, don’t start it.” His boys became accustomed to either fetching a cold glass of ice tea or holding whatever tool was not needed at the time, essentially functioning as organic tool belts. He loved driving up to the land, clearing the brush and long lunch after a day of hard work.

Frank was what many people would consider “old-school,” he was a man of faith, family, and friends. He could always be relied upon to assist those in need, lend a strong hand and an open ear. He was a quiet listener, often sitting back and then only adding his two-cents after all voices were heard.

Frank left this world a better place than he found it, having loved and cared for all around him. He will be missed by friends and family but continues to play ball in our hearts.

Service will be held October 6, 2016, at Christ the King Catholic Church, Mesa, AZ at 11:00 AM. Interment to immediately follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1562 E. Baseline Road, Mesa, AZ. A reception in his honor will be held at Guido and Vera Russo’s home at approximately 1:30pm following the burial services, 7414 E. Forest Trail Circle, Mesa, gate code 7414.

In honor of Frank's love of teaching and helping children please consider donating to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 1000, Department 142 Memphis, Tennessee 38148. Online donations can be made at www.stjude.org/give, click “Donate Now” and the select “Dedicate my donation”.

For more information go to www.bunkercares.com