Stephen M. Viveiros, of Centerville, formerly of Medford and Somerville, passed away suddenly, at his home, on Friday, March 30th. He was 69.
On Good Friday God called home Steve Viveiros, one of the Good Guys. While Steve's sudden and unexpected death has devastated his close-knit family and his innumerable friends, solace is taken in the knowledge of what type of person Steve was and in the generous nature of how he lived his life.
The second of four children of John and Assunta (Sue) Viveiros, Steve grew up in Somerville, MA in a loving, caring and hard-working family. Steve was a happy and helpful child who went on to be an "All Cambridge All-Star" football lineman at St. Mary's High School in Cambridge. A near-magical feature of Steve's growing up in his family's three-decker was the deep ties forged with his cousins on the third floor and in the neighborhood. The years-long sharing of all sorts of activities, from sports, to swimming at Foss Park (thank you Uncle Mickey) to family outings, established a togetherness that has been maintained to this day and grew into remarkable friendships that enhance that togetherness. As the years passed, Steve and his brothers and sister and his cousins welcomed and embraced those who married into this special family and there is no better event than the gathering of fifty or more at the Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes where Steve's culinary expertise carried the day.
After graduation, Steve enlisted in the Vietnam-era U.S. Navy for four years, served on the Carrier USS Independence and became a highly-respected Radar Specialist. Following his honorable service to America, Steve enrolled at UMASS Boston where, in addition to pursuing his studies, he produced and acted in the play The Odine.
Steve's post-college years reflect his vast array of professional endeavors that included successful years as an Air Traffic Controller, a Restaurant Manager and, as an active member of the Professional Golf Association (PGA), as manager and assistant pro at various Cape Cod golf courses. In all these activities, people who met Steve were immediately taken with his selflessness, professionalism and his can- do spirit. According to so many of those who knew him, who worked with him or who benefited from his professional advice and assistance, Steve was the go-to-guy, that one indispensable person who could and would help you.
As with his professional life, Steve's personal life was a gift. Throughout his life, Steve maintained a close and loving relationship with his parents, his big brother Jack, his little brother Tony V and his one and only beautiful little sister Susan, all of whom are bereft at his passing. Steve was the adored favorite uncle to Emily, Gus and Cecilia who were lavished with his attention, gifts and, most importantly, his genuine love and affection. They are in pain and will hold Steve in their hearts all the days of their lives.
While all who knew Steve are aware of his hard work and generosity, we also know that the luckiest day in his life was when he met and fell in love with his Loraine. Despite his many accomplishments and the joy he took from living, Steve's earthly fulfillment was not fully realized until Loraine Dunn came into and stayed in his life. Steve and Loraine shared a story-book togetherness and such a loving relationship that it seemed ordained on high that they met. Through their union, Steve became a stepfather to Greg and Nick and a step-grandfather to Teddy, Jack, Frankie, Sam, Nolan, Xavier and the new baby due soon. They were all precious to him and loved beyond words. Their lives will never be the same without his gentle and humble presence. He was a man of great faith, and so we trust that God is holding him in the palm of His hands until we all meet again in eternal life.
And so, “Good night sweet prince and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Born in Boston, he was the son of the late John and Assunta (Iovine) Viveiros. Stephen was the beloved partner of Loraine Dunn of South Weymouth, with whom he shared many loving years. He was the devoted step father of Gregory Dunn and his wife Jaclyn of Milton, and Nicolas Dunn and his wife Nicole of Hingham. Stephen was the dear brother of John A. Viveiros and his wife Patricia of Marblehead, Tony Viveiros and his wife Kristin Johnson of Charlestown, Susan Sullivan and her husband Brian of North Reading. He was a cherished uncle of Emily Sullivan of North Reading, Augustus and Cecilia Viveiros, both of Charlestown.
His funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street, Medford on Friday, April 6th at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 441 Fellsway West, Medford, at 10AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday from 4 through 8 PM. Services will conclude with interment and military honors at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in Stephen’s name to The Boston Home, 2049 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester Center, MA 02124.