The Allentown Art Museum has lost a treasured friend with the passing of former guard Jerry Miranda. Those who encountered Jerry in the galleries will never forget his big smile, welcoming personality, deep love of family, and pride in his Italian-American heritage.
“Jerry was an important part of the AAM family,” says Museum President and CEO, Max Weintraub. “Our staff and visitors have shared stories about how he enhanced their Museum experience, impacting our community in a positive way. On behalf of Board Chair Michelle Stringer and the trustees of the Museum, we are all grateful for Jerry’s years of service and are honored to call him one of our own.”
Born September 2, 1943, about an hour north of Allentown in the small coal-region town of Nesquehoning, Jerry was a son of the late Samuel and Christina (Dolinsky) Miranda. He lived in Northampton when he joined the security detail of the Museum nearly a decade ago. Jerry always had a knowing look and kind word to offer; spoke often of his beloved wife, Theresa; and regularly exercised his Italian language skills, lighting up if a visitor was able to say a few words or phrases in response.
Museum Supervisor of Security Charles Stonewall remembers, “Jerry had an obvious joy for life, and he brought that to work with him. He especially liked interacting and talking with visitors about the sound sculptures of Harry Bertoia. While I would be happy to play them for our visitors on occasion, Jerry would engage a particularly interested visitor for fifteen minutes about the magic of the sculptures. He was very knowledgeable about this particular artist, and he had a passion for sharing that with our visitors.”
Upon retiring from the Museum on January 12, 2020, Jerry wrote in his parting letter, “I have always been blessed with jobs that I enjoyed. Working at the Museum, however, is my happiest experience. I have been so fortunate to work with and meet so many nice people. I leave with great memories.”
Jerry passed on Christmas Day, December 25, 2020. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Theresa A. (Gigliotti), in 2018, and son, Jerome Jr., on Christmas Day, 1980.
Buon viaggio, Jerome. You will be greatly missed.
Shown above: Museum guard Jerry Miranda plays a Bertoia sound sculpture for visitors.