A gift that lasts forever Medallions and keychains for Christmas.
Sign in Shop
Portrait of Peter Viola
VETERAN

Peter Viola

September 21, 1932 – April 2, 2016
Lived 83 years
Colonial cemetery · Independence, La
In service to country

Thank you for your service

Peter served in the armed forces. We honor that service here.

Life story

Peter Viola, age 82, passed away on April 2, 2015, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born on September 21, 1932, in Independence, LA, to the late Jim and Jennie Arnone Viola. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all. Pete enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. He was also an avid coin collector and loved the outdoors. He served in the United States Navy. He was an entrepreneur and had several businesses over the years. A couple of them included Viola Farms Produce and Monte's Portable Buildings. He also served as a Deputy Sheriff for the Tangipahoa Sheriff's Department.

Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Pamela Viola; children, Cindy (Pat) Owens, Penny (Doug) Hensley, Allen Viola, Tammy (Billy) Brewer, Monte Viola, Brenda Viola, Wendy Viola (Brian) Anzalone, P. J. Viola, Danielle (Sean) Scott, Shantel Viola, Cody Viola, and Ruste Viola; 28 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren that knew him lovingly as "Paw Paw Pete"; also survived by, three brothers; Russell, Joseph and Jimmy Viola.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Katie Viola Paine and a son, Peter Ted Viola.

The family would like to say a special thank you to AmeraCare Family Hospice.

Friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond, Monday April 6, 2015, from 6:00 pm untill 9:00 pm.

Visitation will continue on Tuesday, at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Independence, from 9:00 am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am with Father Cayet Mangiaracina, O.P. celebrant.

Interment will follow at Colonial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, P.O. Box 349, Independence, LA 70443.

Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.harrymckneely.com.

Read the obituary
Photos
Photo book

Peter’s life, in a printed book

We design every page from Peter’s 89 photos. Make it yours, then order a copy for everyone who loved Peter.

Videos
Lifetime

The world Peter knew

Family milestones in gold, history for context

1932
Born September 21
1939
Peter was 7 when "The Wizard of Oz" opened in theaters
1942
Peter was 10 when Bing Crosby recorded "White Christmas"
1950
Peter was 18 when the Korean War began
1962
Peter was 30 when the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world to the brink of nuclear war
1976
Peter was 44 when America celebrated its Bicentennial
1989
Peter was 57 when "The Simpsons" debuted as a series
1997
Peter was 65 when "Titanic" opened in theaters
2001
Peter was 69 when Apple introduced the iPod
2014
Peter was 82 when the Ice Bucket Challenge went viral
2016
Passed away April 2, age 83
Family and friends

Help manage Peter's memorial

Family members and close friends can help add photos, stories and moments from Peter's life. Ask the family to add you.

Sign in to ask
Visit
Colonial cemetery
Independence, La
Get directions to the cemetery

Share Peter's memorial

Invite family and friends to visit and add their own memories.