Emilio Viola, 85, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.

Emilio was born in Alberona,  Italy. He grew up in the wake of WW II and very hard times. At the young age of 11, he left home to apprentice as a mason  and would later own a successful business as a Master of stone masonry.

After his service in the Italian Navy, he ventured to Germany where he perfected his craft, as well as the German language. In those 12 years, he married the love of his life and had his first daughter. Then in November of 1970, he took a leap of faith and sailed over to the US settling in Orange, NJ, where he was blessed with three more daughters and began the most amazing life. He eventually built his dream house in Rockaway, NJ with his own hands and built a home for his family with his love.

Emilio loved life, he kept tradition and was dedicated to his family and friends. He was a true Renaissance man. He enjoyed painting, sculpting, reciting poetry and singing his beloved Napolitano songs. He was also an avid outdoorsman taking every opportunity he could to go hunting and fishing.

Most of all, he was a loving husband and father  who often boasted that he did not need money to be rich because he had five loving women surrounding him - it was like winning the lottery.  In return he taught his girls all he knew and provided them with every opportunity within his power because he believed there was nothing a woman couldn't accomplish. He took his girls everywhere and was proud that he taught them all he knew even how to hunt and fish. But most of all, he worked hard and  made sure all four of his daughters received a college education. The joy of his life was hearing of their successes and accomplishments.

He was a fighter. The last decade of his life was riddled with things that only someone with a strong will to live could survive. His family called him the cat with 20 lives. Unfortunately, his body was not as strong as his mind. On August 31, Emilio decided it was his time to rest. He is remembered as a wonderful man, a forever husband, father and "Papone". His legacy will be passed on to his five cherished grandchildren. He will be missed dearly and eternally.

Beloved husband of 54 years to Maria Grazia (Riccio) Viola.  Devoted father of Maria Marucci, her husband Giandonato, Silvia Martinez, her husband Alfonso, Luisa Taylor, her husband Mark, Emilia Caproni and her husband Christopher.  Cherished grandfather of Maria & Donato, Giuliana, Samantha, and Francesca.

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Wednesday from 4-8pm.  Funeral on Thursday, assembling at the funeral home at 10am followed by the funeral mass at St. Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover at 11am.  Entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Emilio's name to the National Kidney Foundation, see donation box below for details….

National Kidney Foundation
Tel: 1-800-622-9010
Web: http://www.kidney.org/support/