Leon Gerard Viola

Retired US Army Captain Leon Gerard Viola, 86, of Pompton Plains NJ, passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

Leon was born on September 27th, 1938 in Newark, New Jersey to Maria “Vera” DelPriore (Viola) and Pantelone “Leo” Viola.  His parents moved from Newark and brought Leon to their new home in Bloomfield NJ.  He graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1956.  After graduating from high school, Leon pursued higher education at Seton Hall University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, graduating in 1960. 

Upon graduating college, Leon was drafted into the US Army.  He proved himself to be a valuable asset to the Army with honors and upgrades in status.  Leon completed a two-year tour from January 1961 to January 1963 as Captain US Army Artillery in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  Leon acted as Assistant Adjutant on the general staff of a missile brigade and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service.  After returning back to New Jersey following his active duty, he served in the reserves as a Platoon Leader for Company K in the 312th Regiment in Kearney, NJ up to 1965. 

Leon built a successful career in Accounting and Finance, beginning in April 1963 when he joined Sea Land as an accountant. Over the next few years, he advanced to a role in the Controller’s office, where he remained until December 1966. That same month, Leon transitioned to Becton Dickinson, where he held various management accounting positions within the Ivers-Lee Division. His expertise and reliability led him to the main BD division, where he oversaw Accounting, Reporting, and eventually Auditing functions based in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. Leon was a highly respected and trusted member of the Becton Dickinson team. His dedication and leadership earned him a promotion to Controller in November 1996, a role he held until his retirement in May 1997.

Throughout his life, Leon demonstrated a wide range of talents and gifts, including drawing, building model planes, playing the piano, tropical fish hobbies, sailing, fishing and more.  While Leon developed an illness that reduced his mobility in his 50s that gradually left him unable to walk in his 70s, he was still extremely independent up until his final years. 

Leon always took care of the people around him throughout his life.  He was married to Barbara Schlesier in 1960 and they had two sons, Michael Viola and Thomas Viola.  In 1977 he was married to Anita D’Alessio.  Anita had 5 sons, Bart D’Alessio, Joe D’Alessio, John D’Alessio, Thomas D’Alessio and Patrick D’Alessio.  Leon and Anita lived in Roseland, NJ together with their combined sons.    

Every day of the week, he would go to his parents’ house in Bloomfield to do their shopping and work on their finances until Leo passed in 1990.  He then had a strong desire to make sure his mother, Vera had the best care possible, so he made arrangements for himself and Anita to care for her at their home in Roseland which they did until she passed in 1998.

Leon refused to let his limitations deter him from remaining active or reduce his ability to take care of himself and his wife, Anita, who suffered with dementia.  Even his car was customized with hand controls to ensure he could take care of himself and those around him.  He regularly drove to Connecticut to visit his family and also drove back and forth to Florida during his retirement.

Leon was very loved by his family.  His sons and stepsons were always together because of the respect they had for him.  In his later years, his main mission in life was to care for his loving wife Anita as her health declined.  He never wanted to leave her side, and when Anita passed in 2022 it was a very difficult time for him.

Leon was known for being meticulous about his finances and all the information that was important to his life.  Leon was a very generous man contributing to many important causes that were dedicated to health improvements for those who suffered from Alzheimer's. Leon was a patriot, had a strong love for his country, and gave to causes in which he sincerely believed.  Everyone who knew Leon loved and respected him.  Survived by his 7 sons, numerous cousins, family, and friends. We will all miss him very much.

Leon was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Leo and Vera, his loving wife, Anita Viola, his Aunt Ida (married to Edward Price) and his granddaughter Kyleigh D’Alessio.  Leon is survived by his two sons, Michael Viola (partner of Chanda Guth) and Thomas Viola, his stepsons with Anita, Bart D’Alessio (married to Jeanne D’Alessio), Joe D’Alessio (married to Laura D’Alessio), John D’Alessio, Thomas D’Alessio and Patrick D’Alessio. His granddaughter Kara Horvath (married to Anthony Horvath), Jeremy D’Alessio, Julia Rose D’Alessio, Dylan D’Alessio (married to Bri D’Alessio) and his great granddaughters Harper D’Alessio and Haven D’Alessio. Cousins include Judy Tramontana and her two sons Jason and Marco.  Jason Tramontana (married to Andrea Tramontana), their children Alex Tramontana and Sydney Tramontana.  Marco Tramontana (married to Ceci Tramontana), their children Isabella Tramontana and Ethan Tramontana.  Other beloved cousins include Vilma Castelli, Bruce Castelli (married to Debra Castelli), Linda Castelli, Joan Corallo, Michael DelPriore and Tommy DelPriore.  His dear and long-time high school friend in Florida, Joe Capetta (married to Sue).

The viewing for Leon Viola will be Monday, September 22nd from 4-7pm at Bermingham Funeral Home at 216 S Main St, Wharton, NJ 07885. 

If people wish to donate to a cause close to Leon’s heart in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research at Bright Focus Alzheimer’s Disease Research

The funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, September 23rd at 10am at St. Mary’s Church at (GPS) 371 South Main Street, Wharton, NJ 07885. Family members are welcome to join us for lunch directly after the service at the 4 Seasons Restaurant across the street from St Mary’s Church

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leon Gerard Viola, please visit our floral store.