George Viveiros, of Mattapoisett passed away on December 27th At Crawford Nursing Home in Fall River at the age of 79. Born and raised in Fall River, he was son of the late John and Mary Catherine (Moniz) Viveiros.
He graduated from Durfee High School in 1948, and attended Georgia Tech, where he studied architecture and structural engineering. In 1958, upon discharge from the Air Force, he furthered his studies at Arizona State University where he studied civil engineering, and earned a degree in engineering science. He was also awarded a graduate assistantship at Arizona State and attended graduate school.
George served as Captain in the United States Air Force as a pilot and an engineer. Besides flying duties, he was Squadron Commander of Installation, Group Commander. To boost moral, he established and coached a successful squadron basketball team. He acted as architect/engineer on several military projects, including Capehart Housing, and remodeling an old theatre for the Officers’ Wives Little Theater Group.
A well-known building contractor in southeastern Massachusetts, he acquired the building construction firm of Olson & Appleby Inc. in 1961. He operated the firm until he retired in 1985. After retiring, he designed a successful line of jewelry marketed to the animal showing population, which became Matamass Products. It involved photo printing animal pictures in rhodium findings, and had a national customer base. George was involved in the community through various means, including the United Fund and Fairhaven Lions Club, serving as president in 1964. He was also a dog breeder, and active in showing his Doberman Pinschers, two of which became national champions in the United States, Canada & Bermuda.
He is survived by two sisters, Mary V. Swygert of Tiverton, RI and Delores V. Edmondson of Glen Ellyn, IL; caring nephew John Paul Viveiros of Fall River; 14 nieces and nephews, 8 grand nieces and nephews throughout the U.S.
He was the brother of the late John "Jay Vee" Viveiros of Swansea, Lucy Anslinger of Evansville, IN and Alice Ferris of Fall River.
His Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, December 31st at 9:30 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6) Mattapoisett followed by burial with Military Honors at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Visiting hours Tuesday, December 30th from 3 to 6 PM.