Edward Viola

Edward A. Viola, 92, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Jan. 26, 2022, at Allied Skilled Nursing Facility, Scranton. Born in Pittston on July 4, 1929, he was the last survivor of the late Peter and Concetta Viola. He and his wife, Rose Marie Anzelmi Viola, would have celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on Feb. 27, 2022.

He was a graduate of Pittston High School Class of 1947 and received a degree at Lackawanna Business College. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was employed by Viola Shoe Repair, Sordoni Ent. and Murray Corp. After military service Ed became a partner in Viola Bros. Beer Distributor, Avoca, which was in business for 33 years. Upon retirement, he kept active working for the Census Bureau in 1990, was a tour escort for Martz Bus and was a driver for Victor M. Ferri Funeral Home. He also had a 19-year career with the LIHEAP Program in Scranton as a caseworker, retiring at age 80.

Ed enjoyed music and dancing, and was a member of the Big Band Society, Italian American Society, Broadway Theater League, and Party of the Month. Being community minded, he also belonged to the Sons of Italy, Deborah Hospital Foundation, and Knights of Columbus. Ed was a yearly Host for a Day at the St. Francis Soup Kitchen, Scranton, on his Birthday, July 4, which he enjoyed celebrating with the country. He served as President and Secretary of the Old Forge Lions Club as well as President of the St. Mary's School PTG. He also was a member of the Old Forge Police Pension fund.

Being a devout Catholic, he served as an altar boy at St. Rocco's Church, Pittston, and was a lector and usher at St. Mary's Church, Old Forge. He was also a faithful St. Ann's Novena attendee.

Ed was a great baseball fan and enjoyed many annual trips to Clearwater, Fla., for Phillies Spring Training, as well as joining the Phillies on winter Phancations to warmer climates. He was also a faithful season ticket holder at local Red Barons and Railriders baseball games. However, his greatest baseball memory was meeting Joe Di Maggio outside his San Francisco restaurant and talking to him about Pittston.

Ed enjoyed traveling with his wife and daughter, Ann Marie, having visited 35 states and close to 40 countries, including almost 20 cruises to various countries and islands.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Rose Marie, and devoted daughter and loving caregiver, Ann Marie Viola, Old Forge. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by nine siblings, including three in their infancy, brothers Michael, John and Frank, and sisters Rose Locasto, Mary Salatino and Jeanette Dellario.

The funeral will be Monday with Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church (Prince of Peace Parish), 123 W. Grace St., Old Forge, to be celebrated by the Rev. August A. Ricciardi, pastor. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Old Forge.

Relatives and friends may call in the church 9 a.m. Monday until the commencement of Mass. The Viola Family has entrusted arrangements to the care of Ferri & Gillette Funeral Services LLC, 522 Fallon St., Old Forge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Prince of Peace Parish, 123 W. Grace St., Old Forge, PA 18518, or the donor's favorite charity. To leave an online condolence visit www.ferrigillettefuneralservices.com.