James Viano, 97 years old, husband of Dorothy Viano (deceased) passed away peacefully on Dec. 22, 2012 at Carson Tahoe Hospital from a sudden stroke. Born on July 13, 1915, to Madeline and Joseph Viano, Jim was the eighth of nine children and attended grade school and high school in his hometown of Irwin Pennsylvania. During his early years, he worked with his family at the small general store owned by his parents. After graduation from high school, he had an opportunity to travel west, driving new limousines for delivery to Calif. for the Ford Motor Company. Having relatives in the San Mateo area, and enjoying the good climate there, he decided to stay and seek employment. His first job was as a radio repairman for Ross Radio Company. He was later employed by a large paint company in South San Francisco. When the Second World War broke out, he joined the naval reserve as a radio operator, and was stationed and worked much of the time at the Mare Island Naval Shipyards.
In 1938, he married Dorothy M. Clark and together they had a daughter, Roberta, and a son, David. Jim always enjoyed working with his hands, building things and after the war, he was offered an opportunity to become an apprentice carpenter with a local builder in San Mateo. Later he earned his own general contractors license and went into business for himself. Over the years, he built many homes and apartments, and his building expertise and good reputation caused him to be considered as one of the top builder in the area.
Following a successful career in San Mateo, he and his wife decided to move to Carson City to be near their daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. Soon after his arrival, he became interested again in building and became active in the Western Nevada Builders Association, ultimately being elected their president. He attended many national conventions and was honored with numerous awards in the organization.
He was an active member of Saint Teresa's Catholic Church and Knight of Columbus. His hobbies included golfing, watching all sports including the S.F. Giants, Forty Niners, and local high school events. He especially enjoyed games watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren play ball. They always enjoyed "PaPa" rooting for them at their games.
He is survived by his daughter Roberta Rutledge (Alan) Carson City; son, Dr. David Viano (Sharon) Bloomfield Hills; MI. brother, Charles Viano, Irwin, PA.; granddaughters, Patricia Feeney (Kevin) and Theresa Woychick (Nick) Boise, ID; Kathleen McFadden (Kenny) Highland Ranch, CO.; grandsons, Mark Rutledge (Karen) Carson City, NV; John Rutledge, CA; and Stephen Rutledge, CO.; great-grandchildren, Kyle Rhodes, Cooper Feeney, Lindsay Woychick, Kaitlin Woychick, Kendra McFadden, Kayla McFadden, Candice Rutledge, and Matt Rutledge. Numerous nieces and nephews in Texas and Pennsylvania.
A Memorial service will be held on Saturday Feb. 23, 2013 at 10A.M. at St. Teresa's Catholic Church, 3000 No. Lompa Ln. Carson City, Nev. Reception to follow in Chart's Hall at the Church.
The family want to thank all the staff at Sierra Place for their loving care and special consideration that was extended to Jim while he was living there.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial honoring Jim may be made to St. Teresa's Catholic Church or a charity of your choice.
