Umberto Viva
Born In: Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: November 16th, 1915
Passed in: Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: April 16th, 2009
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Umberto Viva
Nov. 16, 1915- April 16, 2009
Sydney Mines
It’s with heavy hearts and brave faces that we announce the passing of Umberto Viva. He was called peacefully into the arms of God while surrounded by his loving family to join his daughter Anna Lee in Heaven.
Umberto was a man of strong faith, character, and had an eternal love for his family. His kind hearted nature and gentle ways will never be forgotten.
Born in Sydney Mines, he was the son of the late Agostino and Studia Maria (Panzino) Viva. Umberto will be sadly missed by his best friend, soul mate and loving wife of 68 years, Eileen (Monaghan); children, Billy, Ladysmith, B.C., Lola (James) Tobin, Sydney Mines, James (Kathy), Sydney Mines, Maria (Leo) Blackie, Sydney Mines, Michael (Carolyn), Scotchtown, Medina (Gerald) Marks, Sydney Mines, Owen (Darlene), Florence, Avery (Brenda), Sydney Mines, Patrick (Alana), North Sydney and son-in-law, Harvey LeBlanc. Umberto took great pride in the accomplishments of his 20 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers, Frank (Barbara), Nicholas (Mary) and sisters, Mary (Owen) McCaffery, Mafalda (Tilly) Thebault and several nieces and nephews.
Umberto was predeceased by daughter, Anna Lee LeBlanc; brothers, Louie, Tony and Joseph and sisters, Concetta, Annie, Yolanda, Gina, Theresa, Rose, Dominica and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Umberto joined the army in 1939 and was a member of the R.C.A.T.C.-32 Peterborough Ont. No. 8 Platoon. After returning from overseas he worked at the dockyard in Point Edward for a number of years. He also worked at the Unemployment Insurance Office in Sydney Mines until his retirement in 1976.
He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 8; a long-time board member of the Sydney Mines Community Centre, a volunteer at the Sydney Mines Food Bank and a member of St. Pius X parish. He was also a member of the Knights of Colombus in North Sydney. Umberto also enjoyed traveling, curling, bowling, playing cards, darts, gardening, was a fan of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles and shared a strong love of horses.
Cremation has taken place and at Umberto’s request there will be no visitation.
Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, Sydney Mines.
A funeral mass will be held Monday April 20, 2009 at 10 a.m. at St. Pius X Church with Fr. J.J. MacDonald officiating. A reception will follow at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 8.
Family flowers only. Donations in Umberto’s memory may be made to the St. Joseph’s Cemetery Fund, or a charity of ones choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at jmjobesfuneralhome@ns.aliantzinc.ca
