Michael J. Vivian Jr.

Michael J.Vivian, Jr., of Mount Pleasant, died of a drug related death on Tuesday, July l7, 2018 at the age of 34. Michael was born August 12, 1983 at Mon Valley Hospital, Monongahela, Pennsylvania along with his twin brother, Joseph M. on their father's 20th birthday. The family spent Michael's first years in Monessen, moving to Mount Pleasant in 1985. Michael served as an altar server at St. PiusX Roman Catholic Church inMount Pleasant and was a 2001 graduate of Geibel Catholic High School in Connellsville. Michael also volunteered at the St. Pius X Monday Night Bingo and the Polish Falcons Wednesday Night Bingo for many years. After High School Michael began working as an electrician with his family's Industrial and commercial Electrical Construction business which was started by his grandfather Alfred A. Vivian, Jr., in 1965. Once Michael's addiction became evident, he would go from job to job while also going in and out of rehab centers in the Southwestern Pennsylvania area. After Michael's grandmother's death in 2004, Michael unknowingly started his final battle with addiction; it would ultimately lead to his premature death. There was so much more to Michael than his addiction: he was kind, loving and always willing to help when called upon by either family or friends. He loved spending time playing card games with his family, aunts and uncle and especially playing with the little ones as his cousins began having children of their own. Michael never denied his struggle with addiction and did his best to offer those who loved him most, the hope that he would one day overcome it. After Michael's last trip to rehab, he decided to enter a half-way house to help support him in his effort to reach sobriety. For six months he remained sober. He and we hoped his addiction was behind him. Then he made the decision to move to the Williamsport, Pennsylvania area with someone he met at rehab hoping a change of scenery would help him maintain his sobriety. It did not. That is when a true tragedy happened. When Michael overdosed, his new friends made the decision not to call 911 for assistance but to take his body and dump him somewhere else in an attempt to hide their own drug use from authorities. After dragging his lifeless body into a vehicle they drove approximately 20 miles south of Williamsport to a truck stop off of Interstate 80. Once at the truck stop, they had a change of heart and called 911, only it was too late for paramedics to do anything. Unfortunately, they did not know that paramedics do not report addicts when they are called to save a person's life. It is too late for Michael, but not for others. Michael's story should be read by every parent and their drug addicted child. Michael's struggle is being enacted in all towns and cities throughout the United States. Parents and authorities are struggling for answers. Michael was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Alfred Jr.and Margaret Vivian of Mount Pleasant, and paternal great grandparents Alfred and Elizabeth Vivian of Monessen; all of whom played a significant role in Michael's childhood. Michael is survived by his Father, Michael J. and Mother Terri L. (Rattay) Vivian and his twin brother Joseph M. Vivian. Other surviving family members of his father's family include, great aunt Cassandra Vivian of Mount Pleasant, aunt, Kathleen Vivian of McKeesport, uncle, Thomas Vivian, of Mount Pleasant and aunt Kristin(Edward) Nassan of Boca Raton, Florida. Cousins include Patricia and Michael Karbowsky, Roger and JessicaStrautmann, and Thomas Jr., Alan and Lyndsie Vivian. And numerous second cousins as well. Surviving from his mother's family are his grandmother, Catherine Rattay of Belle Vernon, aunts, Corrine Peckyno of St. Petersburg, Florida, Dawn (Daniel)Nicholas of Las Vegas, Nevada,Carol (Ryan) Waggoner, of Monessen, and Carla Klitz ofBelle Vernon and uncle, Donald Rattay Jr., of New Stanton. And numerous second cousins as well. Private visitation was held for the family at Saloom-Rega Funeral Service730 W. Main Street Mount Pleasant where a Roman Catholic Blessing Service was held on July 20, 2018 officiated by theRev. Richard J. Kosisko. Interment followed in the St. Pius X Roman Catholic Cemetery in Mount Pleasant. The family wishes to thank everyone for their Prayers and Support during this difficult time and during Michael's struggle with addiction. Rest in Peace, Michael for your struggle is over and you are safely home reunited with family and embraced in the loving arms of the lord. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Please visit Michael's online memorial at www.saloom-rega.com to sign the condolence guestbook.