Milton Victor

1929 - 2016

Milton Victor, 87

SACO - Milton Victor, beloved husband, father and "Poppa," left us in the early hours on Oct. 30, 2016. He was 87.

He was born in Biddeford, on March 25, 1929, to Peter and Nitsa Hioni Victor.

Milton's early years were steeped in the rich cultural traditions of his parents' native Greece, the influences of which remained with him throughout his life.

Milton attended Thornton Academy and graduated in 1947. Motivated by his inherent desire for growth and education, Milton forged a path that allowed him to attend the University of Maine where he embraced the opportunity and graduated with a degree in history and government. He was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and enjoyed his time on the U Maine football team, which went on to win two Yankee Conference titles.

Following graduation in 1951, Mr. Victor joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served during the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharged with the rank of captain.

While at Thornton, Joan N. Vachon caught Milton's eye and was to become his best friend and greatest love. Joan and Milton started to date while at Maine, were married in 1953, and this past November celebrated 62 years together.

In 1953, Mr. Victor joined the Royal Insurance Company where his tenure began as a marketing trainee and culminated with the position of vice president and general manager for the Northeast and New York. Milton's time with The Royal lasted 38 years, during which time he and Joan created community and lasting friendships in the Portland, Boston, Hartford and Syracuse areas.

While he was proud of his career accomplishments, Milton's highest priority was always his family. He remained endearingly devoted to Joan and did not waver in his commitment to her and their three children, David, Peter and Stephanie. His presence was steady, his guidance clear, the opportunities he managed to provide were rich, and there never was a doubt of his love. His thoughtful, measured advice was delivered in soft tones first to his children and eventually to his eight grandchildren, whom he so loved.

Following retirement from The Royal in 1992, Mr. Victor returned to Saco and began a new chapter which brought him great pleasure and satisfaction.

He and Joan always considered education as one of the greatest gifts and were forever mindful of the opportunities provided by Thornton and the University of Maine. In keeping with this, they established a scholarship at the University and were involved in alumni affairs at both institutions. Milton and Joan were honored with the "Block M" award in 2005 for contributions to their classes and the University of Maine.

Family time spent at Joan and Milton's seaside cottage was a highlight treasured by all. This summer activity was complemented by annual winter trips to Florida, where Milton and Joan established many new friendships. Retirement allowed for more travel and the Victors partook of adventure trips with family throughout the U.S., and enjoyed trips abroad.

Milton was a self-made man and a gentleman who dispensed lifelong lessons through example. He recognized and delighted in the beauty of life's simple things. A shared walk with Joan (they logged enough miles to circle the globe), or a cup of tea by her side, were cherished. He was steadfast and stoic; this latter attribute displayed with dignity in the last challenging weeks of his life. His subtle humor which was threaded throughout his life remained with him to the end. Milton's passing has left a void that we will attempt to fill with our love and loving memories of him.

Mr. Victor is survived by his wife, Joan; David and Lolly Victor, and granddaughters Zoe, Calista, and Helena, of Seattle, Wash.; Peter Victor, and grandsons Luc-Oliver and Eliott of Ellsworth; Stephanie, her husband James Wells, and grandchildren Alexandra and Nathaniel, of Charlotte, Vt.; his sister, Artemis Bucci; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Catherine Long and Nicholas Victor; and grandson, Zachary James Wells.

The family plans a private burial. To view Milton's memorial page, please visit: www.cotefuneralhome.com.