Arthur Lee Viafore

Obituary ARTHUR LEE VIAFORE "Pops" was born in Tacoma on October 26, 1930. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on April 7, 2015. Dad attended Stanley Elementary, McCarver Junior High, Lincoln High School (class of '49) and the College of Puget Sound. He was an outstanding high school and college athlete, playing baseball and football, earning himself the nickname of "Art the Arm." He received a letter from the San Francisco 49ers wanting to know if he would be interested in playing for the team after completing his college eligibility, but he was far more interested in his family and declined the invitation. No one was prouder of his family and his Italian heritage than Art. He loved both to the end. His sense of humor was legendary, and his big grins and hearty laugh were infectious. Involvement with football and baseball continued to be important to him throughout his life. He enjoyed working with kids, which showed through his many years of coaching at South End Boys Club. He was a longtime member of the Western Washington Umpires Association and Washington Officials Association, and for more than 25 years he umpired baseball and refereed football at the high school and college levels. He served as WWUA president from 1976-1977 and, as an umpire, was named to the Tacoma Pierce County Baseball/Softball Association Hall of Fame. Art was employed for 36 years by Pacific Coca Cola Bottling Company in Tacoma. Upon his retirement, he stayed in the work force at his son's business, Viafore's Italian Delicatessen in Fircrest, continuing his work there until just a few months ago. He was a lifetime member of St. Rita Catholic Church, where he and his wife, Joy, were married August 26, 1951. Art was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Rose Viafore; his siblings Charles, Edward, William, Lorraine, Elvera, Florence and Donna Mae; and his granddaughter, Lisa Anne Viafore. He leaves behind his wife of 63 years and love of his life, Joy; his seven children, Rich (Debbie), Debbie (Randy), Bruce (Bonnie), Pat, Rob (Carmell), David and Donald; his six grandchildren, Jennifer (Adam), Brian (Sarah), Timothy (Angy), Jill (Brent), Michael, April (Sean); and his eight great-grandchildren. He also is survived by his one remaining sister, Arlene Estrem, and brother-in-law, George Ablan (Christine). The family wishes to acknowledge the exceptional care that was provided to our father in the ICU at Tacoma General, especially Richard, registered nurse. We also say a special thank you to the Ned Garitano family for their generosity and the love that was shown to Dad over the past years. To our dear friend, Carol Aquino, goes our sincere love and thanks. Your love and support helped us immensely, especially through our last hours with Dad. There has been no man who loved his family more than our dad, and he was an incredible example of a husband and father. No one worked harder for his family. Dad, you will be missed immensely, but your examples, love and our memories will last our entire lifetimes. We love you, Pops! A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at St. Rita Catholic Church. Entombment at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to St. Rita Catholic Church, 1403 S. Ainsworth, Tacoma 98405. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.