Vincent J. “Jim” Viola, 91, of East Pharsalia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at his home and with his family by his side.
Born June 2, 1926, in Brooklyn, NY, Jim was the son of Anthony and Josephine (Alesci) Viola. After high school, Jim went on to serve valiantly near the end of World War II in the Army Air Force, and served in the Pacific theater in the Philippines and Japan before he was honorably discharged in 1947. After returning from the war, Jim settled in the Middletown area and began work in the grocery business, as a produce manager, and also as a realtor.
On June 18, 1950, in Lyndhurst, NJ, Jim married the love of his life, Frances (Scarpinato) Viola, who survives. Together they would enjoy 67 wonderful years together.
In 1982, Jim and Frances, along with their children, bought the Norwich Implement John Deere and Kubota equipment business and relocated to the Norwich area at that time. Jim helped to operate the business until his retirement in 1991. Even after “retiring,” Jim would regularly help run the family business. He treasured running the business along with his family, which still thrives to this day. He gained many cherished friendships over the years.
Jim also had many talents. He was a very good dancer and would sometimes be found dancing around his home. He loved music, enjoyed reading and writing poetry, and liked to paint as well. He once painted a canvas of the Italian village of his ancestors that still hangs in his home. Jim and his wife loved to travel, too, and visited Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
Most of all, Jim adored his family. In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his children, Anthony Viola, of East Pharsalia, and Jeanette Ruckdeschel and her husband, Richard, of Norwich; granddaughter Lynette VanValkenburg and her husband, Joshua, of Norwich; great-grandchildren Mariah Caezza and Haley VanValkenburg; and sister Virginia LaBruzzo, of Richfield Springs. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A prayer service for Jim will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at the Church of St. Bartholomew, where Rev. Ralph A. Bove, pastor, will officiate. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5: 00 – 7:00 p.m. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family.
The family would like to express its sincere gratitude for the wonderful care provided by each of Jim’s and Frances’ caretakers, including Edie, Dawn, Cindy, Christine, Becky, Karri, Kim, Sandra, Stephanie, and Leannah.
Contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the Pharsalia Fire Company, P.O. Box 41, East Pharsalia, NY 13758, or the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit: www.wilsonfh.com.