Obituary of Alfonso Viola

Passed away peacefully on Monday, October 14, 2024, at the age of 99. Loving husband of the late Luigina Viola (nee Longo), with whom he is now reunited in Heaven. Proud and loving father of the late Anthony Viola, Lucy Guzzo (Luigi), Rosa Caputo (Robert) and the late John Viola. Proud and adoring Grandfather of Maria Vetro (John), Marc Viola (Zamina), Robert Guzzo (Darin), Karen Nanji (Farhad), David Caputo (Chelsey), Carrie Viola (Ben), Luca Viola and Isabella Viola. Proud and adoring Great Grandfather of Alexander Nanji, Sofia Nanji, Caterina Nanji, Annalisa Nanji, Max Ward Caputo, Audrey Ward Caputo, Roman Ward Caputo, Senna Viola and Zander Logan Guzzo-Baez. Loving son of the late Antonio Viola and the late Lucrezia Viola. Loving and caring brother of the late Maria Cicero and uncle of Francesco, Michele, Antonio, Enrico, Sesto, Aldo, Egidio and the late Giovanni and Gino; loving and caring brother of the late Francesca Paradiso and uncle to Gina, Peppina and the late Giuseppe; loving and caring brother of the late Emilia Paradiso and uncle to Aldo, Giulio and the late Giacchino; loving and caring brother of the late Saveria Guido and uncle to Aldo and the late Maria and Emilia; loving and caring brother of the late Mario Viola and uncle to Antonio and Maurizio; loving and caring brother of the late Luisa Filice and uncle to Egidio and the late Antonio.

Born in Amantea, Italy on March 4, 1925, Alfonso emigrated to Canada on his own at the young age of 26 years. After a brief period of doing odd jobs in the Montreal area, he moved to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario for more stable work to support his family. Initially, for a few years, he worked outdoors at the ACR Railway, enduring the bitter cold weather of Northern Ontario. He then got a job at Roddis Lumber & Veneer Company, where he worked until his retirement as a forklift operator. Feeling settled in a permanent job; he decided that Canada would be the best place to raise his family. He then had his wife and children move to Canada to join him and start a new life together. In 1963, his youngest son, John, was born.

Throughout his humble life, Alfonso worked very hard, sometimes at multiple jobs. His main goal in life was providing for his family and ensuring that his children were given the opportunity for a good education and bright future. Dad’s love and dedication to his family will remain alive in our hearts. Dad, we are forever grateful for your hard work and sacrifice to make a better life for us. We will always remember your special smile, caring heart and warm embraces.  

We wish to extend our appreciation and gratitude to the team at Sault Area Hospital, especially to Dr. Alan McClean and to the team at Extendicare Maple View who took care of Dad in his final years.

Friends and family are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758) on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. at St. Gregory’s Church (71 Estelle St.) with Father Trevor Scarfone officiating. Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation are appreciated.