Louis J. Viola

Louis J. Viola

Newark, N.Y./Dunmore, Pa., Louis J. Viola, 97, died Wednesday (September 14, 2011) at the DeMay Living Center in Newark.

Friends may call from 4-7 PM on Sunday (Sept. 18^th) the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, Inc., 318 East Drinker Street, Dunmore, Pa.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 AM on Monday (Sept. 19^th) St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, 322 Chestnut Street, Dunmore, Pa.  Burial will be in Dunmore Cemetery with military honors.  Memorials, in his name, may be made to the DeMay Living Center Activities Fund, 1200 Driving Park Avenue, Newark, NY 14513 or a charity of your choice.

            Lou was born on December 13, 1913 in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, the son of John and Antoinette Palladino Viola. He earned a Bachelor Degree from St. Thomas University (now the University of Scranton) and his Masters in Education from Bucknell University.  He also attended graduate school at Fordham University where he, at the time, helped to establish a guidance counselor curriculum for the university. After a 40 plus year career in the Dunmore School District as a teacher and administrator he retired in 1976 as the Director of Guidance for Dunmore Public Schools.

            He served our country honorably during World War II and attained the rank of Captain in the US Army. As a Lieutenant, he commanded Anti Aircraft Unit 1174 in the Battle of St. Lo during the Normandy Invasion and then later on throughout France and Central Europe. He is mentioned in Sgt Leroy Durkin's book about Army life in Europe during WWII, 'If This is the Cavalry, Where are all the Horses?'  as the author's "mentor" and "just about everyone's favorite officer".  An avid golfer and long time member of the YMCA, Lou enjoyed his daily walks and a good game of "cut throat" on the racquetball court well into his 80's with long time friends Bob "Doc" Doughtery and Cosmo Lalli. During the winter months he would enjoy a trip to spring training and visit with old pals including the late Nestor Chylak and his umpire crew.

            Lou was a communicant of St. Casmir's Roman Catholic Church and after moving to Newark, N.Y. in 2002, he joined St. Michael's Church. While living in Dunmore, He was a member of the Junior Order of Mechanics, the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 2001, the Newark, NY Rotary honored Lou with a Paul Harris Fellow.

            He was predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, the former Geraldine (Gerry) Owen of West Point, Va. and daughter, Virginia; his sisters Adelyn Sandone and Jen Figliomeni and brothers Frank, Eugene and Peter Viola. Lou is survived by two sons and daughters in law, Gregory (Barbara) of Newark, NY and John (Rhonda) of Frederick, Md.  Four grandchildren, Lt Cmdr Gregory (Stephanie) Viola, Gina (Greg) Albright, Nicholas and Jared Viola, two great grandchildren, Evan and Emma Albright; a sister Anne Bennie of Baltimore, MD and several nieces, nephews and god children.

            The family is grateful for the kindness and loving care given Lou by Kelly, Dani, Cindy, Calvin, Sandy and all the loving and caring staff at DeMay Living Center. 

Remembrances may be sent to www.murphyandsonsfuneralhome.com