Victor Joseph Cristofolo

Vic died peacefully on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at home in Milwaukie, Oregon surrounded by family.

Victor was born on July 6, 1929 in Portland Oregon.  He was 94 years old at the time of his passing.  Vic was the third of four children of parents Pasquale and Elsie Cristofolo.

Victor grew up in the Woodstock neighborhood attending Woodstock Elementary School and Franklin High School where he pitched for the varsity baseball team.  He graduated from Franklin High School in 1947.

In 1949, Victor married Mary Phyllis Hartley and they had three sons - Mark, Neil and David.  In 1950, Victor joined the National Guard where he used his culinary skills and served as a mess sergeant.  After his discharge, Victor joined the culinary union and became a Five Star Chef at the New Heathman Hotel.

In 1962, Vic married Helen Harris and they moved to Seattle, Washington where he cooked for Rosellini Four Ten, Ballard Elks.

Victor loved fishing and would fill his steelhead tag annually.

After his retirement in 1995, he became the caregiver for his wife Helen and her father Leonard, until their passing in 2005 and 2007, respectively.

Victor was preceded in death by his parents; sister Aida Dixson; sister Jeanette Gallucci; brother Frank Cristofolo; and grandson Daniel Cristofolo.  He is survived by sons Mark (Lorrie); Neil (Susan); David; granddaughters Heather Cristofolo Pearson and Jennifer Cristofolo; grandsons Andy and Grant (Brittany) Cristofolo; two great granddaughters, three great grandsons; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Victor loved people and he wanted everyone to be happy.  Here are a few of his favorite quotes:

“I’ve never met a stranger, if I did, we became friends.”

“Don’t complicate your own exitance, keep it simple.”

“Whatever you give away will never make you poor, donate freely.”