John A. Vieira 70, a longtime Franklin resident, died Wednesday May 6, 2009 at the University of Massachusetts medical Center in Worcester, following a long illness. He was the husband of Gail A. (Stockbridge) Vieira for more than 36 years.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, March 8, 1939 , he was raised and educated in St. Petersburg, Florida, and had lived in Franklin since 1977.
Until his retirement, as maintenance foreman, Mr. Vieira worked for the General Motors plant in Framingham for over 28 years.
He was a member of Framingham Local #422 United Auto Workers and was a life member of the Franklin Lodge of Elks #2136 in Franklin, where he also worked as a bartender. He also worked as a bartender at the Franklin VFW Post.
Mr. and Mrs. Vieira were longtime seasonal residents in Avon Park, Florida and he enjoyed spending his time with his family, friends and fishing.
Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters Joan M. Megna and her husband Mark of San Diego, California, Susan A. Rappa and her husband Rob of Franklin, a grandson Joshua, extended family members, a son Scott Vieira, daughters Stacy Alves and Sandra Rosa, 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He is also the brother of Theodore Arnett, Penny Souza and the late Robert Vieira.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours at the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. (www.franklinfuneral.com) on Saturday May 9, from 3-7PM. The Franklin Lodge of Elks will conduct a Lodge of Sorrows service at the funeral home at 7:00PM.
Private interment will take place at the family lot in St. Mary’s Cemetery at a later date.
If desired donations in his memory sent to the American Cancer Society 1115 W. Chestnut St. Brockton, MA 02301 would be appreciated.