Jose Orlando Mieles

On the early morning of March 18th, 2024, Jose Orlando Mieles passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. Jose was 80. 

Born in Hatillo, Puerto Rico, on May 20, 1943, he was the third youngest of 9 children. From his early days in Puerto Rico to building roots in Red Hook, Jose has served as the captain of his family and his community. He was a man of many principles that rang true throughout his entire life and the seeds he left with people along the way. He was headstrong yet warm-natured. He believed in tough love and built up everyone around him because of it. He exemplified hard work and resilience. Most importantly, he always showed up.

At his core, Jose was a survivor. He overcame many hardships to provide the foundation that his family sits on today. He was molded by his experience, but remained the man we all knew and loved in the end. His family meant the world to him, both given and chosen. He wasn’t someone you just knew, he was “Uncle Joey” to all. He found solace in the company of his loved ones, fixing things that weren’t broken when he found them, and being on the water with Captains Tom and Frank. 

He is preceded in death by his son Willie Davila and granddaughter Nikki Davila and survived by his wife, Migdalia Mieles; children, Jose and Yvette Mieles; grandchildren, Lila, Emilio, Adam and Samantha; siblings, David, Oliva, Nicholas and Esther; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends. Jose was a dedicated step-father and was loved dearly by step-daughters Sulay and Millie and their children. 

It is with heavy hearts we say goodbye to the best husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend we all had the privilege of knowing. His legacy will live beyond who he was, he will be remembered for the lives he changed, the respect he earned and no matter what, always coming out on top. 

He will forever be in our hearts.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jose Orlando Mieles, please visit our floral store.