Ira Joseph Miner

Ira Miner, 75, passed away suddenly on Saturday, February 25. He was born on May 14, 1947, in Stamford, CT to the late Clement and Carmella “Tootie” Miner. Preceding him in death are son Kevin, sister Karen MacDougall Puskas, brother Clement, Jr., sister Rita Connelly.

Ira graduated from Stamford High School in 1965. During his high school career, he won multiple golf awards, and even played with the likes of Jackie Robinson and Mickey Mantle. Later on, he played with Sr. Pro Peter Jacobsen, Sparky Lyle and Lawrence Taylor. Ira participated in the Bermuda Open for many years, winning low amateur in 1993. He also played in the Aruba Aces Golf Tournament. And he won the Wilson Cup Invitational in 1998.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967, and was a member of 1/63rd Armor, where he received the National Defense Service Medal, Expert Badge (Rifle), Marksmanship Badge (Pistol), and the Sharpshooter Badge (MGM-60). He was honorably discharged in 1969 and returned to Stamford. Upon his return, he worked at Wilson Sporting Goods, designing golf clubs. He then moved into sporting goods sales.

Ira then switched to construction, where he became a general contractor for luxury homes, until his retirement in 2010.

He was a member of Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk, for 33 years, and won the Club Championship, the Senior Club Championship and the Governor’s Cup in 2015. He was on the Greens Committee for many years. Ira wanted to spread the joy of golf to players of all ages, including his sons and grandsons.

Ira loved a good meal, ocean cruising, and weekly card games. Having been a thirteen year cancer survivor, he did not let his many health issues interfere with his zest for life.

He was married for 37 years to Ruth Coppola Miner. He is also survived by a daughter, Michele Stuart, son-in-law Kelley, and grandsons Dakota, Blake, and Logan. Stepchildren and grandchildren include Shane (Lucia) Koproski and Dylan, and Craig (Kris) Koproski and Jake, Ryan and Brady.

Ira has touched the lives of many people, and his zest for fun will be sorely missed.

Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday, March 1, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 2, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Cecilia Church, 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford. Interment will be held privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: The Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude’s or to St. Cecilia Church.