Donald P. Viera with his wife Shirley, just a few hours before he died on 9/17/17. Photo courtesy of Tracie Smith.
West Island said “good-bye” to long time resident Donald Viera this week. Also known as the “wishing well guy” for the wishing wells he made and sold around town, Mr. Viera’s house was one of four in a row on the same street on West Island that Donald and his siblings lived in.
His parents, John and Laura, bought the properties, and at some point Donald and three more of the six siblings lived in them, side by side, by side, at least in summer. Donald was the last sibling on the block, but his wife of 60 years, Shirley, is still living in the house they built in 1960.
Born in Oak Bluffs, Mr. Viera lived most of his life in this area. He attended Fairhaven High School served in the US Army and worked as a metal worker at Rodney Metals for 22 years. He passed away on Sunday, 9/17, at St. Luke’s Hospital after a short illness.
Mr. Viera was remembered by friends, relatives and neighbors as a good-natured man with a sense of humor, a devoted husband and father. He was a good neighbor, always quick to lend a helping hand where needed.
Donald P. Viera, shovels off his carport roof on 2/10/13. Neighb News file photo by Beth David.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Donald Viera, Jr. of Fairhaven; two daughters, Jeanne Raphael and Lori Provost both of New Bedford; a brother, Robert Viera of Fairhaven. He was the brother of the late Laura Mello, John Viera, Jr., Gladys Davis, and Rose Simonsis.
Mr. Viera was interred at Mass. National Cemetery in Bourne. Visit www.waring-sullivan.com
Click here to download the entire 9/28/17 issue: 09-28-17 Encampment
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