Obituary of Joseph Viola

JOSEPH VIOLA, Sr., a lifelong resident of Hackensack, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 17, 2013, at the age of 85. He graduated Farleigh Dickinson University, receiving a BA in Business. Joseph was a United States Army Veteran, having served during the Korean War attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class and receiving Two Bronze Stars for his heroic actions. He was also a member of the South Hackensack VFW and a member of the City of Hackensack Planning Board for over 31 years. Joseph was a Past President and member of the Hackensack Chapter of UNICO. Prior to retiring in 1995, he was the Director of the Hackensack Housing Authority, prior he was an entrepreneur who owned and operated "Viola's Market" , a fresh produce/Italian provisions mobile market that read “Here Comes Joe” for many decades. He was an active parishioner of St. Francis R.C. Church in Hackensack and also a member of their Usher’s Society, Chairperson of the St. Joseph Table, an active member of the Socialites and a Past president and member of the St. Francis Holy Name Society. Joe had a tremendous green thumb he loved gardening, and working the land, but what he enjoyed most of all was spending time with his loving family, including the annual trips to Woodloch Pines in PA. Beloved husband of Lois Ann (nee De Cesare) for 62 years. Loving father of Ken Viola and his wife Carol, Richard Viola and his wife Diane, Susan Donohue and her husband Brian, and Joseph “J” Viola, Jr. and his wife Lisa. Cherished grandfather of Mark, Neil, Craig and his wife Stacie, Michael, Dylan, Geoffrey and his wife Elizabeth, Steven, Michelle, Victoria, Emily and great-grandfather of Ellison and Bradley. Dearest brother of Jenny Zurretti, Frank Viola, Maryann Viola, Salvatore Viola, Jr., and the late Thomas Viola. Joseph is also survived by several adoring nieces, nephews and many close friends. The Funeral on Tuesday October 22, 2013 at 8:45 AM from the Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial at St. Francis R.C. Church, 50 Lodi Street, Hackensack, at 10:00 AM. Internment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Hackensack. The family will receive friends on Monday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 PM. In lieu of Flowers please make donations in Joseph’s memory to St. Francis R.C. Church, 50 Lodi Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.