EAST BRIDGEWATER - Richard W. Viola, 81, lifelong resident of East Bridgewater, died Monday, July 12, at Brockton Hospital. He was the husband of the late Audrey C. (Lewis) Viola.
Born Dec. 1, 1922 in Brockton, the son of the late Pasquale and Fannie (Canelli) Viola, he was raised and educated in East Bridgewater.
In his younger years, Mr. Viola played basketball and baseball, winning Class B championships in 1939, 40 and 41. He played for many teams locally.
Mr. Viola retired from the Whitman Foundry, where he worked in the grinding room for 30 years.
He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served during World War II.
Mr. Viola was a member of St. John Church in East Bridgewater and enjoyed taking day trips with his wife.
He also enjoyed hunting and gardening and was a Red Sox fan.
He is survived by his daughter, Laurel J. Criscione of Niantic, Conn.; two grandchildren, Beth and Mark Criscione, both of Niantic, Conn.; an aunt, Leia Canelli and many nieces and nephews. He was brother to the late Primo Viola and Geraldine Tsika.
His funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday from the Wales-Prophett Funeral Home, 35 Spring St., East Bridgewater, followed by a funeral Mass at 12 p.m. in St. John Church, East Bridgewater.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday 4-7 p.m. Burial in Central Cemetery, East Bridgewater.