Ben Daltoso

Ben Daltoso, 79, of Walla Walla died February 6, 2013, from complications of lung cancer, at Providence St. Mary Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 18, 1933, in Walla Walla to Mario and Maria Saoncella Daltoso. He attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Grade and High School and graduated in 1951. He attended the University of Portland. In 1954, he returned to Walla Walla to marry the love of his life, Marguerite DeLuca. Four months later he was drafted into the army and was stationed in Orleans, France for two years attaining the rank of Corporal. Marguerite joined him and their first daughter was born there. They returned to Walla Walla in 1956 where they raised their six children. They celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary on
January 24th, 2013. Ben and Marguerite met when they were introduced by their parish priest, Fr. Austin.

After attending college they were married and from the beginning Ben proved to be an exemplary husband, demonstrating his devotion to his beautiful Marguerite in multiple small ways. He was always thoughtful, many times pulling flowers from his own garden in order to make his loving bride smile. He never failed to tell her he loved her and cherished her, and that love became the rock upon which they built their life. With love for each other, along with unwavering faith in Christ they were able to build a life that spanned 6 decades, eventually producing 6 children, 15 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.

Ben was employed by Standard Oil for 10 years before going into farming. He grew a variety of crops for Birdseye and Walla Walla Cannery, and the Walla Walla Gardner’s Association, however, his primary crop was Walla Walla Sweet Onions. With the threat of local processing plants closing, he partnered with Frank Magnaghi to incorporate D & M Farms. While they grew Sweet Onions together, Ben was most proud of the bond they had in watching their families grow up together. Their partnership lasted throughout the years as did the friendship of their families. For many years, he operated a roadside stand and later a stand at their home. One of his great joys was the ability to employ local children, providing them an opportunity to learn the value of hard work. Ben was a very a conscientious farmer who was always concerned about the preservation of the soil, who loved and respected the earth God gave him and wanted to ensure its use for future generations. He retired from farming in 2008.

Ben was very active in church, school, and community activities. He was deeply involved with St. Francis Catholic Church for many years. He was a Sacristan, Lector, Server, and Eucharistic Minister. He was a member of the Parish Council and a member of the St. Francis Rosary Group for over 20 year, exercising his deep devotion to the Rosary. He enjoyed serving as a member of the Knights of Columbus for 60 years. He was the Faithful Navigator of the Fourth Degree, Knights of Columbus for two years, an office he held with great honor. He was a strong supporter of Walla Walla Catholic Schools. Ben was co-chair of the Walla Walla Catholic School Capital Campaign for St. Francis and was a member of the DeSales Booster Club. In service of his faith, Ben spent the last 30 years volunteering his time at St. Mary Medical Center, the last ten of which were in the Cancer Center. Most recently, he served on the Hospital Service League Board.

In his early years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as camping adventures with his family and friends. Ben was an avid bowler for the Knights of Columbus bowling league for 30 years winning many awards and trophies also serving as president. He shared a love of sports with his children and grandchildren and particularly enjoyed watching Gonzaga basketball and Notre Dame football.

He also liked the Seattle Mariners and Seahawks (when they were winning). Ben looked forward to watching his own children and grandchildren participate in their sporting activities. He loved traveling with his wife, especially trips to visit all members of his family residing throughout the country. He especially enjoyed exploring his Italian heritage, most often through his wife’s (southern) Italian cooking. However, making french toast (northern style) for his children was his specialty.

Ben had all of the wonderful traits of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather: strength, kindness, faith, a great sense of integrity, and a marvelous sense of humor. He demonstrated his unwavering love for his wife and family each and every day, making sure they knew they were taken care of, providing a selfless example of how to live a good life by serving others. He valued his Catholic faith, family, and Italian heritage. Ben was an inspiration, as well as a great role model on how to raise a family, work hard, treat others, and live in Christ.

Ben is survived by his loving wife Marguerite and his children, daughters Debbie Biagi (Bob) of Colfax, WA, Lynn Buckley (Jay) of Walla Walla, Gina Houser ( Doug) of Vancouver, WA, and Michelle Daltoso of Vancouver, WA, his son Mike Daltoso of Vancouver, WA. and his daughter-in-law Suzan Daltoso (Mark) of Walla Walla. He is also survived by two sisters, Stella Hamilton (Bud) of Walla Walla, Mariann Birmingham (Jack) of Indio, CA, his brother Dante Daltoso (Mary Lou) of Boardman, OR, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many relatives in Italy. He was preceded in death by both his parents, his son Mark, daughter-in-law Karen Daltoso, and aunts and uncles in Italy.

Viewing and visitation will be held Wednesday, February 13, 2013 from 10:00 AM until after the Rosary at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. The Rosary will be recited on Wednesday February 13, 2013 at 7:00PM, also at Herring Funeral Home, with Father Tyler Smedley officiating. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 10:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 722 W. Alder Street, Walla Walla, WA. with Father Jeff Core and Father Tyler Smedley Con- Celebrating. Burial will follow in the Catholic section of Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mark S. Daltoso Scholarship Fund at DeSales High School, Providence St. Mary Cancer Center, Catholic Charities of Walla Walla, DeSales Booster Club, or St. Francis Catholic Church through the funeral home.