Michael J. Miranda, 80, of St. Ignace and Fall River, Massachusetts, died at Mackinac Straits Hospital Long Term Care following a lingering illness.

He was born February 15, 1925 in Fall River and was graduated from high school there. He joined the military and spent 20 years, one month, and three days in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant E-7. Mr. Miranda spent the next 27 years in Somerset, Massachusetts, until the death of his wife, Odelia, February 2, 2002. He came to St. Ignace because of poor health and to be near his daughter for care.

He is survived by a daughter and her family, Maureen and John Lipnitz of St. Ignace; two brothers, David Miranda of Anchorage, Alaska and Frank Miranda of Tiverton, Rhode Island; three sisters, Rose Botelho of New Bedford, Massachusetts, and Eileen Sadona and Bella Silva of Fall River; four grandchildren and their families, Julie Lipnitz, Kirk abd Julie Lipnitz, Karen and Greg Cheeseman, and Erica Lipnitz; two great-grandchildren, Joseph Snowart and Addison Cheeseman.

Mr. Miranda was one of 13 children and was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Mary (nee Reebella) Miranda; three sisters, Mary Perry, Angie Ferry, and Adeline Brown; four brothers, Eddie Miranda, Manuel Almedia, Joe Miranda, John Miranda, and a daughter, Cheryl Miranda, who was murdered in Atlanta, Georgia March 4, 2004.

A memorial service will be held at Fall River, with burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Somerset, Massachusetts.

Dodson Funeral Home assisted the family with local arrangements. Olivera Funeral Home in Fall River will direct the funeral.