Victor “Abie” Miglioretto, 88, died July 27, 2007, at the Weiser (Idaho) Rehabilitation and Care Center.
There will be dinner and celebration of his life at 1 p.m. PDT Saturday, Aug. 11, at the Huntington Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall. Those attending are asked to bring stories to share.
Abie was born at Huntington on Aug. 11, 1918. He was the ninth child of 12 born to Italian emigrants, Teresa and Antonio. He grew up on a homestead on the Idaho side of the Snake River (the present site of Steck Park) and at Huntington where his father owned a shoemaker’s shop and also maintained a home.
Abie traveled frequently between the homestead and Huntington, via the railroad bridge that crosses the Snake River on foot as well as by horse. He was a daring young man. At the age of 10, he lost his left hand as a result of playing with dynamite caps. The accident, however, did not slow him down.
He was an avid baseball player, bowler, fisherman, gardener, local and family historian, and daily crossword-puzzle solver.
For many years he worked on the ranch he shared with his older brother. Later he worked for Oregon Portland Cement Co. (the present Ash Grove Cement Co.). He retired in 1980, after 38 years.
Abie traveled throughout the Western states, Canada, and Western Europe with friends and relatives. He was known for his amazing memory for people, events, and places. He was also known for great storytelling and good-natured debate and was the favorite uncle of all of his nieces and nephews.
He will be greatly missed by those friends and relatives who survive him, his family said.
“Our family wishes to thank XL Hospice and Lola and Ben Dunleavy who have helped us through this final stage in his life and Sherman Murray, who was a great friend who continued to take Abie hunting, fishing, or out for a drive when it become challenging for Abie,” they said.
Survivors include his sisters, Anne Rogers and Teresa Pepper; 11 nieces, nine nephews, and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Huntington Museum, the Huntington Fire and Ambulance Department or a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.thomasonfuneralhome.com.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, August 2, 2007
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor