Eugene J. Viator Jr. Obituary

Eugene J. Viator, Jr., 75, of Gloucester, MA, passed away peacefully with his sons by his side on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at Addison Gilbert Hospital following a fight against ALS.

He was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts, on February 27, 1948, son of the late Eugene, Sr., and Regina (Nauss) Viator.

Gene graduated from Gloucester High School in 1966 and worked in and around the North Shore managing convenience stores for Richdale and Cumberland Farms over the years. Gene also worked as a butcher and owned Marty's in Gloucester along with his brother-in-law, Michael O'Connor. He took great pride in flaunting the knowledge these vocations afforded him to his family and friends.

Gene and his family moved to Harvard Street in Gloucester in the early 1980s, continuing a residence of Viators at that house that began in the 1940s. Gene established his dedication and love for his neighborhood over the years. While his sons, Justin and Ryan were boys, the house quickly became the home base of operations for the 'Harvard Street Five', which included Gene's boys, Scott Sutera and Joe and Vinnie Billante. Gene provided snacks, Kool-Aid, rides to various activities, and a well-timed one-liner as the boys scrambled in and out of the home at all hours of the day.

Gene also built friendships and connections with many neighbors on Harvard Street, including the Bruni, Palazzola, Sutera, and Billante families. Along with his late wife Linda (Binari) Viator, they would often enjoy 'Cafe' on many summer nights with their chairs, libations, and hors d'oeuvres in the front yard of their home.

When his boys started families of their own, Gene entered this new phase of his life with his classic sense of humor and fierce family dedication. When he found out that his first grandson, Cruz, was on the way, he gave himself the moniker of 'Super Gramps' to distinguish himself. Super Gramps was eventually reduced to 'Supah' in time by his grandchildren. Supah spent many days taking care of his family so his sons and daughters-in-law could provide and build for their own families. Supah was always ready for his grandchildren with a never-ending supply of fruit snacks, treats, and hugs, thereby earning his self-titled brand.

Gene enjoyed telling stories, laughing (his unforgettable laugh) at his own jokes, and cooking up his signature recipes for his family. Gene transitioned from Harvard Street to Clearwater, Florida later in life, providing him more time in the warm weather that he loved. He would always welcome family to visit him there, and he made many lasting friendships in his new neighborhood, especially his friend Dr. John. He was passionate about his choice of 50s and 60s music and will be sorely missed by all that knew him.

Eugene is survived by sons, Justin, his wife Emily, and Ryan, his wife Brittany; his five active grandsons, Cruz, Taj, Evan, Max, Niko, and his granddaughter, Julia.; his ex-wife, Christine (O'Connor) Bougas; his brother, David Viator; his nephews, Gerry and wife Tiffany, Kyle, and Brett Viator; his niece, Cheri Bolchoz; his sisters-in-law, Joyce Viator, Robin Cohen, and Cathleen Lindgren-Heinz; close cousin, Joann (Nauss) and husband Louis Pinto.

Eugene was predeceased by his parents, Eugene Sr. and Regina (Nauss) Viator; his wife, Linda (Binari) Viator; his brothers, Gerald and Stephen Viator and niece, Karen (Viator) Winslow.

Visiting hours will be held at Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, on Wednesday, July 26, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M., with a private burial to follow on July 27.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to The Angel Fund for ALS Research at theangelfund.org.