 Miskovsky was born on May 11 , 1926 in Chicago , Illinois , the son of Jaroslav Miskovsky , an immigrant from Czechoslovakia , and Ruth Miskovsky ( nee Patera ) . He grew up during the Great Depression , but his family did not suffer significant economic harm . Miskovsky 's father was heavily involved in Chicago politics , and Miskovsky would frequently help him deliver food and clothes to people unable to afford them . 
