Jeffrey M. Miranda

*please note the different services in Brooklyn and the services in Rhinebeck*

Jeffrey Michael Miranda, 45, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of January 21st after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. His wife, Leslie Hill, the love of his life, was close by his side.

A longtime resident of the New York hamlet of Rhinecliff, Jeff was active in the community and beloved by his friends and neighbors. The eve before he went in for his first bout of chemo, a motorcade of fire trucks, ambulances and dozens of friends drove by his and Leslie’s home, sirens ringing & horns honking, to show the love and support of all who knew him. 

Jeff loved the natural world and cherished being outdoors. His overflowing bird feeders drew flocks of goldfinches, as well as many other little birds, a tiny rose sprig grew into a flower-laden bush under his care, and his herbs flourished in pots throughout the yard. Passersby invariably got a wave and hello as he tended to his charges, he and Leslie were the consummate hosts. Their porch, overlooking the garden, became a gathering place so well-attended it’s now part of the local vernacular: “I was on The Porch last night…” Jeff welcomed everyone as if they were family. To know him was, indeed, to love him. 

The son of Alfonso and Michele Speer Miranda, Jeff grew up in Brooklyn, NY. He attended Fort Hamilton High School and College of Staten Island, where he flourished in many drama programs —he loved acting. He loved working for a time at the George Cole Auction House where his innate design sense dovetailed with his natural charm. Last July, after a new diagnosis, he and Leslie married in a small ceremony on their lawn with friends officiating. At the reception, Jeff outshone everyone on the dance floor. 

Jeff will be remembered for his graciousness and kindness, for his strength and generosity, and for his devotion to Leslie, his friends and family. His free spirit and eternal optimism, even in the face of devastating challenges, will live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever. He truly was one of a kind.   

Jeff is predeceased by his grandparents, Dimitri and Mary David Speer and Alfonso and Zoila Miranda, and his father, Alfonso Miranda. He is survived by his wife, Leslie Hill; his mother, Michele Speer Miranda; his stepfather, Tony Steo; his stepmother, Juliette Miranda; his siblings, Al Miranda, Justin Miranda, and Taylor Miranda, and a large and loving extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. He will be missed beyond telling.  

Viewing hours are Thursday 1/26 2pm-8pm at McLaughlin & Sons Funeral Home, 9620 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209

Funeral Services will be held at St Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox, 355 State St, Brooklyn, NY 11217 Friday 1/27 10am-12:30pm. Burial will follow in The Green-wood Cemetery at 500 25th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232

Memorial hours with a time of sharing is planned for Saturday 1/28 3pm-6pm with a time of sharing at 5:30PM at Dapson Chestney Funeral Home, 51 W Market St, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 - in lieu of flowers for this particular event, family ask that donations be made to Hudson Valley Hospice. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, Rhinebeck, NY and McLaughlin and Sons Funeral Home, Brooklyn, NY. 

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