Octavio Francisco Miranda, affectionately known as “Titoi”, passed away peacefully at home on July 2, 2023.

He was born on June 13, 1937 in Nhagar, Santa Catarina on the island of Santiago, Cape Verde Islands. His parents were Antonio Joaquim Monteiro De Pina and Cidalia Francisca Miranda. He was predeceased by his wife, Domingas (Minga) Lopes-Da Silva Miranda, and their daughter, Nellie Jesus Miranda.

Titoi’s childhood was filled with happiness and responsibility. As the eldest brother, he focused on his education, watched over his younger siblings, and assisted with the family business. At a young age, he discovered his true passion of working with his hands by building toys from scraps of wood he found around the family property. At age 20, he served in the Portuguese military, where he further developed his mental strength and leadership qualities and was recognized for his superior sniper and rifle skills. After his honorable discharge in 1958, he returned home to manage his father’s general store. It was there that he met his future bride, who had come to the store to have fabric measured and cut, and it was love at first sight.

Titoi immigrated to the United States in October 1964 to be reunited with his sweetheart, Minga, in Boston. Shortly after, they married on February 13, 1965 and started a family. They raised their family with a strong faith in God and instilled family values, discipline, and service to others.

After the untimely passing of his wife Domingas in 1990, he faced the challenge of raising a young family as a single father. As a devout Catholic, he relied heavily on God for wisdom and taught his children to do the same. Titoi and his family were active parishioners of Saint Kevin’s Church in Dorchester for over 35 years until its closing in 2008. Titoi sacrificed personally to ensure his children obtained a parochial education and completed higher education. He also served as a trusted advisor and father-figure to countless family members, friends and neighbors.

Titoi enjoyed learning about his faith by watching EWTN and reading about the church’s history, saints and martyrs. He went on many pilgrimages including, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Fatima, Jerusalem, Turin and Rome. His devotion to the Catholic faith is displayed throughout his home with memoirs from his youth and travels. Most poignantly, he demonstrated a life of faith by being a man of action, not words. A way of life inspired by his favorite quote attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” He would often say, “Actions speak louder than words” and gifted his children and grandchildren with books, artifacts and toys inspired by their faith.

Titoi was a hard worker, and an ingenious man of many talents - a true Renaissance man. He was a self-taught artist, carpenter and metalsmith. He graduated from Franklin Institute of Boston in 1979 and became a licensed journeyman plumber and began his career as a tradesman. In 1996, at the age of 59, he retired from Polaroid Corporation after 24 years of working as a master plumber.

During his retirement, he spent countless hours perfecting his hobbies, which included making custom furniture and restoring antiques. He also painted, sculpted metal objects, and in his latter years, made rosary beads. Titoi was an avid gardener whose grounds were admired by neighbors and folks passing by. The City of Boston even recognized him for his neighborhood beautification efforts.

Those who knew Titoi well may describe him as a tough man of good character and discerning taste, who earned the respect of many. Beneath his strong persona was a thoughtful, caring man who truly enjoyed life and a good time. He was a great storyteller and loved a good joke. He cherished family gatherings, especially during the holidays, and never missed a summer barbecue. Titoi was also known as a sharp dresser, who enjoyed dancing and listening to music.

Family was everything to Titoi. He made sure his children and grandchildren understood that “together we stand, divided we fall” and consistently emphasized the beauty, strength, and importance of a close knit family and caring for one another.

Titoi will be forever loved and honored and his memory will be cherished especially by his children: Leonilde Miranda, Anita (Arnold) Jeannot, Eurides (Eugene) Barros, Nelson Miranda, Lucette (Julio) Teixeira, Emily (Bruce) Da Silva and Jacqueline Miranda; 11 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild; brothers; Lino Publio Pinto Monteiro, Benjamin Pinto Monteiro, Eurico Pinto Monteiro, Jose Antonio Pinto Monteiro and Jose Manuel Pinto Monteiro, sisters; Fatima Goncalves (deceased) Maria Jesus Duarte, Maria Liveramento Miranda Pina, Francisca Miranda da Lomba, and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition, extended family and numerous friends in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Cape Verde, and Europe will fondly remember him.

Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday July 8th at 10 am. In Saint Teresa of Calcutta Church, 800 Columbia Road, Dorchester.

Visitation on Friday, July 7th 5-8 PM in the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, Dorchester, Lower Mills.

Interment in New Calvary Cemetery, Boston.