Obituary published on Legacy.com by Wilbert Funeral Home - Plaquemine on Mar. 7, 2026.
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Peter Thomas Migliacio, who left this world on March 2, 2026, at the age of 69, at his home in
White Castle, Louisiana. It is hard to describe a man who brought so much life, light, and laughter to all who knew him. Peter, affectionately known as "Peep" (thanks to Brody), was a kind, quiet, and giving man. He had the biggest, kindest heart and would do anything for anyone in need. He was a friend, mentor, confidant, jokester, and a five-star giver of nicknames. Peter was the youngest child of "Jimmy" and Sarah Migliacio and grew up in a large Italian family. He was adored by all of his family, especially "Deedy" and "Lina." He graduated from Plaquemine High School in 1976. With the help of his brother-in-law, P. W. Albert, he moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where he began learning the trucking trade. He worked for many years as a dispatcher and later became the proud owner and chairman of Capitol City Trucking, LLC, based out of Florence, Mississippi. He was devoted to his work and to the people who worked for him. He dispatched his last truck in 2019. During his working years, Peter spent most of his waking hours on the phone dispatching and negotiating rates like only he could. He spent so much time on the phone that when he answered, he barely muttered a decent hello or goodbye. The only time he ever raised his voice was to argue over the price of a load of chicken. He fought tirelessly to ensure his drivers were fairly compensated for their time. In 2003, after 23 years apart, Peter rekindled an old romance with Jerilyn. His bachelorhood ended at age 56 when they married and settled in White Castle, where he grew to love the quiet country life. There, he finally had a family he could call his own-never imagining it would grow to be so large. Along the way, he gained sons- and daughters-in-law and eventually a host of grandchildren. Life was a game of chance to Peter, and he was always willing to place a bet on just about anything. He loved sports of every kind, and no matter the season, there was always a game on TV. College football and March Madness were among his favorites, and he considered himself especially good at predicting a series winner. He also loved a good Super Bowl party with friends and family. In 2023, he made his first trip to Omaha for the College World Series and returned again in 2025. Part of his character was expressed through his courageous five-year health battle. Through multiple heart surgeries, brain surgery, radiation, and five years of immunotherapy, he did not complain-not even once. He endured all of this with resilience and grace, with his wife always at his side. Every time we thought he might give up, he didn't. Any betting man should have "put their money on Peter." He certainly possessed a powerful will to live.Peter is survived by his wife, Jerilyn Kember Migliacio; his sister, Delia "Deedy" Migliacio Albert; and his brothers, James "Jimmy" Migliacio (Pam) and Nicholas "Nicky" Migliacio (Sheila). He is also survived by "The Children," who were never called by their given names but instead by the special nicknames he gave them: Kasey "Queen Bee" Ourso Newman (Scott), John "Johnny Boy" Barker, Jr. (Kirsha), Jacqueline "Bust" Barker Savoia (Charlie), James "Louis" Barker (Jessica), and Jude "Whistle Britches" Barker (Heather). He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, who brought him the greatest joy in life: Jonah and Harper Newman; Bowen and Kellan Barker; Joshua, Matthew, and Samuel Savoia; Chett Bickham; Grace and Lucas Barker; and Eli, Wesley, and Archie Barker. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Frank Migliacio and Sarah Vitale Calvaruso Migliacio; his brother, Jackie James Migliacio; his sister, Katherine Ann Migliacio; and Joshua O'Thane Barker. Pallbearers will be John Barker, James Barker, Jude Barker, Scott Newman, Will Albert, and Steve Albert. Honorary pallbearers are Keith Kember, Perry Francise, Pierce Rodriguez, Michael Vitale, and Sydney Clifton. Thanks to all the physicians who lovingly cared for Peter over the years, including Dr. Daniel LaVie, Dr. Konstantin Kovtun, Dr. Denzil Moraes, Dr. Terry Stelly, Dr. John Olson, and their associates. Your dedication, expertise, and compassion have made an unforgettable difference in his journey, and we are truly grateful for your care. A heartfelt thank you to the incredible staff at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. From the doctors and nurses to the medical assistants, clerks, radiology techs, volunteers, and transporters - your care, professionalism, and kindness have made a lasting impact. Your dedication will never be forgotten. Recent thanks also goes to the staff of Neurosurgery, Neurology, Palliative Care and Trauma, as well as the staff of the ER and TNCC at Our Lady of the Lake, who cared for us so well. Your patience and kindness will also not be forgotten. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Comfort Care Hospice for the kindness, compassion, and care shown to Peter and his family during his final days. Visitation will be held at Wilbert Funeral Home in Plaquemine on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church on Wednesday, March 11, from 9:00 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m., celebrated by Father Cleo Milano. Entombment will follow at Grace Memorial Park, Plaquemine. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in the countless memories shared and the enduring impact of a life well lived and a man well loved. Peter will be deeply missed and forever remembered.