[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO JUDGE VICTOR MICELI

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
life of my friend, Judge Victor Miceli, who served as Superior Court 
Judge for Riverside County, California for 15 years and dedicated his 
life to bettering the community around him. On Thursday, September 16, 
2010, Vic passed away at the age of 82 with his wife of 49 years, 
Bernice, by his side. Though Vic has passed on from this life, he 
leaves a lasting legacy in Riverside, the community he loved so dearly.
  Vic graduated from the University of Pittsburgh Law School in 1952 
and went on to serve in the Army as a judge advocate general and later 
practiced civil law in a private practice. Although he originally 
hailed from Meadville, Pennsylvania, Vic came to Riverside after having 
been appointed to the Superior Court bench in 1986 by former California 
Governor George Deukmejian.
  When he retired from the bench in 2001, Vic's work in the community 
was far from over. Vic turned his focus and efforts to the restoration 
of downtown Riverside, including the $24.7 million renovation of the 
1903 beaux-arts Riverside Historic Courthouse, which was rededicated in 
1998 and complied with new earthquake standards. Vic himself has 
attributed this as his proudest professional accomplishment. He also 
advocated for a new federal courthouse in Riverside, and the transfer 
of the 4th District Court of Appeal, Division Two headquarters from San 
Bernardino to Riverside. Additionally, he was a dedicated partner in 
the preservation and continued care of the historic Evergreen Cemetery.
  Vic did so much for the community, the term the ``Micelian 
Footprint'' was coined, affectionately referring to Vic's ability to 
positively influence whatever he touched. In fact, 101-year-old retired 
Appellate Justice John Gabbert called Vic the person who has done more 
for the community in his lifetime, and said his contributions were 
``beyond measure.''
  Despite his passion and gusto, Vic always had a way of charming those 
around him--and perhaps that is what helped him get so much done. He 
will be remembered for his great sense of humor and optimistic outlook 
on life just as much as his drive to accomplish projects and lead 
others.
  Although his career flourished, Vic always put his family first, and 
set aside time every summer to take his two sons on road trips around 
the country. His wife remembers him as the kindest and most generous 
husband.
  Vic is survived by his wife and their two sons, Victor Miceli II and 
John Michael Miceli.
  On behalf of all those who knew him, it is an honor to offer these 
remarks as a tribute to the life and legacy of my friend Victor Miceli. 
His life and presence will be sorely missed and I extend my condolences 
to his dear family and friends.

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