Due to the expected blizzard, the service has been rescheduled . The new date is Friday, February 27 at 11am.

This is Vinny Viola, the greatest, most dedicated and respected man I’ve ever known and I am beyond privileged to call him my father.

All who knew him, loved him! His laugh was infectious, his smile contagious. He had a vitality and zest for life. My children were the light of his life and their happiness and well being were his priority.

He was most remembered for his involvement with the East Boston Camps, Maverick Projects, Holy Redeemer Church, Fitton Catholic School (later EB Central Catholic), basketball (player and coach), softball and an avid Disney Enthusiast. He was quite the jokester, always inducing laughter in those around him!!

So, what can I say? My world stopped turning on February 1, 2026 when he passed. After a long, brutal battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis, on the transplant list for some time and eventually given approximately two weeks to live, a Christmas miracle occurred 10 years ago and he received a lung donor. Someone else’s’ heartache saved his life. He retired, unable to continue working. He depleted his savings but was so fueled by his love for his family that finances were secondary to him. Yet, no preplanning for his passing occurred. Mid December he had a fall and injured his wrist. Given his preexisting condition, anti rejection meds and older age, the odds weren’t in his favor and the following 47 days were mainly spent in the ICU, intubated and fighting for his life. Double aspiration pneumonia, delirium, kidney disease and sepsis eventually claimed his life. I was able to remain by his side throughout the duration of his hospitalization and never let go of his hand, right up to his final breath.

Planning his funeral has been a somber, daunting task as I’m trying to grieve this tremendous loss.

My own situation was complicated with two major surgeries (lung and brain) 10 months apart, leaving me financially restrained. It’s been a year since the brain surgery and I’ve depleted my own savings, nonetheless, unable to procure enough to provide a burial on my own.

incapable of obtaining the other 2 next of kin signatures required for cremation, so he can be laid to rest with his parents, (which he requested), I now need to bury him and the cost for that is higher. I’ve contemplated going to court but the process is timely and his remains sit in the funeral home, not at rest as he deserves.

I have managed to put together the bulk of the costs for the cremation (which I’m obviously unable to do without the required signatures) but am still working on the remainder for a casket burial. I’m not planning a lavish service, just a simple Catholic burial as he was a practicing Catholic, and his faith was important to him.

I loathe having to resort to asking anyone for help but the situation leaves me no alternative.

I’m doing this alone!!

Any assistance is greatly appreciated and believe me, I understand not being able to contribute.

regardless, prayers and resources are always welcomed and appreciated!

** A graveside service for Vincent is planned on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 11:00AM at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.

but may need to be rescheduled at a later date due to the ongoing issue!

With deepest thanks and

heartfelt gratitude,

Rhonda