Arthur J. Miglietta

Arthur “Art” Miglietta, 81, of DeLand, Florida, peacefully passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 23rd. Although he was 81, his age was not evident until a health issue slowed him down in recent months. Born in Meriden, Connecticut to Maria and Giglio Miglietta, Art was an amazing husband, father, brother, friend and truly one-of-a-kind person. He had an outgoing kind spirit, a great sense of humor, and a gift for telling legendary stories. He made friends wherever he went and was often the life of the party. He had a way of making people feel comfortable and welcome, and his friendships were an important part of his life.

Throughout his life, one of his greatest passions was automobiles. In his younger years, he was an avid drag racer and member of the National Hot Rod Association. He and his brother Richard built their own drag race car and won races across the country. Auto racing remained a lifelong interest, and some of his memorable experiences included attending the Indy 500, Daytona 500, and Rolex 24 at Daytona.

He built a career around that passion, working for several luxury automotive manufacturers, including Porsche, Audi, BMW, and Jaguar. He spent much of his career as a service director before moving into automotive sales as he approached retirement. He was an ASE certified mechanic with a natural ability to fix just about anything. He enjoyed restoring Porsche 911s, combining his mechanical talent with his appreciation for these iconic cars.

Art was also a devoted sports fan. He was a lifelong New York Yankees fan and rarely, if ever, missed a game on television. He was also a fan of the New York Giants and enjoyed PGA golf and UConn Huskies College basketball. His love of sports began long before he became a spectator. In high school, he played several sports, including golf, baseball, basketball, and soccer.

Travel was another source of happiness. He especially enjoyed scenic places and beaches throughout the Northeast. Among his favorite destinations were York Beach, Maine; Newport, Rhode Island; the Catskill Mountains and Lake George in New York; and Cape Cod. He also traveled internationally, visiting Montreal and the Bahamas and enjoying several cruises throughout the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

In retirement, Art found joy in the simple pleasures of everyday life. He enjoyed playing bocce, poker, and golf at his retirement community and, perhaps most importantly, starting many mornings with his “coffee klatch” that included good friends and neighbors. He enjoyed spending time with his nearby son & daughter-in-law and spending holidays with his extended family. Those friendships, conversations, laughs, and stories became an important part of his daily life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Gayle Miglietta; his son, David; and his parents, Maria and Giglio Miglietta.

He is survived by his son, Steven Miglietta, and his wife, Stephanie; his brother, Richard Miglietta; and his sister, Marilynn Petrella.

There are many things we will remember about Art: his love of cars, his stories, his humor, his ability to fix almost anything, his passion for sports, travel, and competition. But most of all, we will remember the person he was: outgoing, funny, generous with his time, giving and kind…a man who knew how to enjoy life and help those around him enjoy it, too.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those blessed to have known him. His stories, his laughter, and the memories he created will remain with us always.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Baldwin Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery in Lake Mary, FL.