Obituary of Joseph F. Viola

Joseph Frank Viola, 82, of Manchester, died Monday, September 16, 2024, passing peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his family. Joe was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who was happiest spending time with his family. He was an avid runner who completed many half marathons and ran his last two 5-K’s this summer. After retiring, he filled his days with bowling, pickleball, and having lunch on Fridays with the ROMEO’s (Retired Older Men Eating Out). Joe was a Deacon of the 5th Avenue Chapel in Belmar and volunteered for several groups within his retirement community. He had an infectious laugh and was up for any adventure with family and friends, including but certainly not limited to roller coasters, pinochle and traveling to new destinations. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. Joe was born November 5, 1941, in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Frank and Adele ‘Lil’ Viola. After graduating from St. Denis High School in Havertown, PA, he attended Villanova University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He later earned a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. In November 1967, Joe married the love of his life, Carol-Ann June Viola, at St. Thomas of Villanova Church. Joe worked as a civilian for the Navy at both Philadelphia and Lakehurst Naval Base for over twenty years. After his time with the Navy, Joe continued his career in defense contracting until he retired at age 78. Joe was in fellowship at Fifth Avenue Chapel in Belmar where he served as a Deacon. Joe was predeceased by his sister, Bernadette Passo. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Viola; his children, Stephanie (William) Brannagan, Chris (Corrie) Viola, and Heather (Brooks) Levering; six grandchildren Chris, Chloe, Connor, Cecelia, Jack and Lily; and his brother, Robert (Alice) Viola, sister, Eileen (John) McEvoy and brother-in-law, Joseph Passo. Visitation will be held at the Fifth Avenue Chapel, 304 Fifth Avenue, Belmar, NJ, on Thursday, Sept. 19 from 6:00 to 8:00pm and on Friday, Sept. 20 from 10:00 to 10:30 am, followed by a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack Meridian where he received care for many years or America’s Keswick at americaskeswick.org.