Joseph P. Viola Sr.

Joseph P. Viola Sr., 84 years of age, entered life eternal on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at the John Scott Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Braintree. He was born in Boston and was raised in South Boston where he graduated from South Boston High School. Joseph enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict where he served on the USS Hornet CVA 12 where he served as a chef. After his Navy career Joseph began his career as an executive chef for several well-known restaurants including Polcaris, the Red Coach Grills and Alfredos in Quincy from which he retired in 1990. Joe enjoyed fishing and going to Castle Island for hot dogs. Most recently Joe went on excursions to Twin Rivers Casino in Rhode Island with his daughter Carolyn and his two granddaughters Victoria and Christine. Joe enjoyed his yearly family vacations at York Beach, Maine, and Sundays at Uncle Larry s. Joseph was a longtime resident of Braintree before moving to Hanson. He was the husband of the late Ellen R. (Cushing) Viola affectionately known as "Duda". He was the loving and devoted father of Maria Fanning married to Mark of Norwell, Rosemary DiBona married to Craig of Braintree, Joseph P. Viola, Jr. of Braintree, Carolyn Newcomb married to Robert of Hanson, Cathleen Beasley married to David of Rockland, Freddie Viola married to Nancy Pugliese of Pembroke, Nancy Viola of Norwood and Thomas Viola of Braintree. He was the proud grandfather of 17 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Joseph is survived by his sister, Helen McElmon of Sharon. He was the brother of the late Julio, Larry and Freddie. He was also the brother of the late Nicki. He is also survived by nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews .Joe is also survived by his companion Betty Shea of Connecticut. Visiting hours will be at the Mortimer N. Peck-Russell Peck Funeral Home, 516 Washington Street, Braintree, on Tuesday, May 30, from 4 to 8 p.m. There will be a gathering at the funeral home Wednesday, May 31, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass to be celebrated at the Church of Saint Thomas More, Elm Street and Hawthorn Road, Braintree at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree. Memorial donations may be sent to the Visiting Nurse Association of the South Shore, Reservoir Drive, Rockland, MA 02370.