CHICOPEE ~ Ronald W. Viens, 86, of the Aldenville section of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Thursday, April 18, 2019. He passed into Eternal Life at the Soldiers Home in Holyoke surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family, comrades-at-arms and his wonderful caregivers. He was born in Springfield on July 6, 1932, a beloved son of the late Donald E. and Alice C. (Gendreau) Viens. He was raised in Chicopee, graduated from Cathedral High School in Springfield and was a lifelong resident of Chicopee. He served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and attained the rank of Airman First Class. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. Following his military service, he returned to Chicopee and was employed for many years as a switchman for New England Telephone, now, Verizon. He was a longtime volunteer for Mercy Medical Center in Springfield and the Chicopee Council on Aging. He spent many hours of his time recording books for the blind. In his quiet time, he enjoyed building models and puttering around his beloved home. Most of all, he was a quiet man who loved his family and his many friends. He was predeceased by his beloved wife and best friend, Jeanne Y. (Blanchard) Viens who was Called Home on July 1, 2009. They were married on July 10, 1954 at Saint George Church in Chicopee Falls and were blessed with over 54 years of happiness together. He leaves his three loving children, Ronald P. Viens of Washington, and Jacqueline M. “Jackie” Sullivan and Nadine J. Viens, both of Chicopee; his three cherished grandchildren, Chelsea Viens, Jillian Czerniawski and Cody Viens; his cherished great-granddaughter, Kiera Ramos; his dear brother-in-law, Robert Boisvere of Chicopee; his dear sister-in-law, Joyce Blanchard of Chicopee; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended members of the Viens and Blanchard families. In addition to his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by his two dear brothers, William and Richard; and his three dear sisters, Camille, Laurette and Yolande. His burial with United States Air Force Military Honors will be held at a later date at Saint Patrick Cemetery, 168 Fuller Road, Chicopee Falls, MA 01020. The St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020 is assisting his family with arrangements. For those who prefer, his family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Soldiers Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040.
