John Ambrosio Virgil of Pendleton (formerly of Hermiston) passed away in Pendleton on Jan. 20, 2022 at the age of 88.
He was born on Jan. 27, 1933 in Sterling, Colo. to Louis and Mary Sandoval Virgil.
John grew up, attended schools and graduated from high school in Sidney, Neb. He joined the National Guard after high school, where he obtained the rank of corporal and served for several years. In 1968 he moved to Hermiston, where he lived for over 40 years. He had resided in Eastern Oregon for the past 54 years, the last six were in Pendleton.
John worked as a mechanic for Campbell’s Motors in Hermiston for over 17 years. He later managed Leathers Oil service stations in Hermiston and Pendleton. After retiring, he missed being busy and took a job with ODOT, where he worked in maintenance for several more years.
John enjoyed telling a good joke and playing bingo whenever the opportunity arose. He had a strong faith and belief in God and had read his Bible many times from cover to cover. He had a deep love of his family, especially his grandchildren.
John married Mary Herrera on Sept. 1, 1951 in Lyman, Neb. She preceded him in death on Oct. 15, 2015. He was also preceded in death by a son, Mike.
He is survived by four sons, Gary Virgil, Bruce Virgil, Gabe Virgil and Rodney Virgil; 13 grandchildren and many great grandchildren; and several brothers and sisters and extended family members.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022 at the Hermiston Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial donations be made to Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, P.O. Box 289, Hermiston, Ore., 97838 to help defray final costs.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please go to burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
