James Stephen Viola Obituary

James S. Viola, Sr. died on Monday February 2 at his home in Suffield, CT shortly after his 88th birthday. He was born to the late Stefano and Antonina "Nina" (Sferrazza) Viola on January 28, 1938 at their home in Thompsonville, CT. He spent his life in Enfield until 2009, when he and Gail built their lovely house in Suffield. Jim graduated from Enfield High School in 1955 and went on to get his BS in accounting from AIC. After a 6-year stint at the IRS, James left to co-found his accounting firm, where he found fulfillment in serving local businesses small and large until his retirement. He liked being a part of others' successes, and many sought out his wise counsel on business or personal matters.

Though mild-mannered and sometimes reserved, Jim was also very social and had a legendary sense of humor. He loved a family holiday gathering, a lunch at the Fort with Fred, savoring a sunset with Jim and Sally, a round of golf at the Suffield Country Club with Jack, or taking in a musical at the Goodspeed with Gail. He was anything but picky about his outings; no matter where you were going, he was eager to come along for the ride.

Jim wondered at the beauty of the natural world, was fascinated by the variety of human experience, and had a keen interest in the story behind another person's circumstances (he'll be reading this along with you, as he was an avid obituary connoisseur). His New York Yankees fandom notwithstanding, he always favored the underdog. He felt particular empathy for those who are most vulnerable or imperfect.

In Jim's early years, he enjoyed the doting attention of his mother and sisters, and he in turn passed that protective affection on to his little brother Joe, who continued to look to Jim for wisdom throughout his life. Jimmy found reward in working to earn his keep, such as on his paper route, while minding his family's corner store, and as a stockboy at the A&P grocery. Not a natural athlete himself, young Jim loved memorizing sports trivia, listening to baseball on the radio (even fantasizing about becoming an announcer one day), and the distinction of being the first batter up in the newly formed Enfield Little League.

Jim and Gail became close after high school, when they and their buddies would loiter in the Friendly's parking lot waiting to see where their lives would take them. They went on to celebrate over 65 years of loving partnership. Jim was proud of the life they created together for their family, including the sacrifices he made to allow his kids to pursue any education they desired. In his later years, he delighted when his kids and grandkids were together enjoying a tasty meal out or spending joyful weeks together on the Cape, even when he wasn't able to join.

James will be dearly missed by his beloved wife Gail (Pare); their three children: James Viola, Jr. and wife Nancy Whalen-Viola of Northampton MA, Gianna Viola and husband Ryan Richardson of Austin TX, and Stephen Viola of Suffield; brother Joseph Viola of West Hartford; grandsons Theo Viola of Boston and Sal Viola and partner Cristina Puigcerver of Barcelona; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and many cherished friends. Jim was predeceased by his three sisters, Josephine Etkin, Mary Jo Marion, and Sylvia Yeargers, cousin Butch Fiore and many more dear family members and friends.

The family would like to recognize the particular kindness shown to Jim in his final months by local friends Bob and Traci Artioli and Dan and Megan McCoy as well as by the dedicated staff at Hartford Hospital. Visiting hours will be Friday, February 13th from 4-7 pm at Browne Memorial Chapels in Enfield, and A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Patrick Church on Saturday, February 14th at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Suffield Community Aid, Enfield Food Shelf, or The Network of North Central Connecticut.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of James Stephen Viola.