John Viana, age 84, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Saturday, March 27, 2021.  John was born in Syracuse, New York on August 12, 1936.  

He was a member of the New York Air National Guard for ten years and completed the Air Force Cadet Program.  He served in a Fighter Squadron and a Radar Unit.  John flew in fighters as a radar observer and worked in the Radar Unit as a weapons controller.  In 1961 his Radar Unit was called to active duty during the Berlin Wall Crisis and his unit was sent to Germany to operate a radar site controlling aircraft.

He worked for Aetna Casualty and Surety Insurance Company for thirty-six years and for Hastings Mutual for five years.  His assignments included Loss Control, Commercial Underwriting and Commercial Marketing. Prior to insurance experience, he worked for Allied Chemical tending boilers in the power house.

Involved with the American Society of Safety Engineers/Professionals – West Michigan Chapter, Region VII/North Area, John was active member for 41 years and an emeritus member for 16 years totaling nearly six decades of dedicated membership supporting the association’s mission in America’s workplace: “Working together for a safer, stronger future.”

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend, Beverly; son: David (Shelly) Viana and their children, Kyle, Justin, Torie and great grandson, Silas; daughter, Deborah (Paul) Mabin and their daughters, Kaleah and Jayde; sister in Camillus, New York, Maria (Robert) Maraio and their children, Sharon and Sandra; several cousins, nieces and nephews.  John was preceded in death by his daughter, Dawn Marie and parents, Peter and Irma Viana.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Condolences may be sent online at www.stegengafuneralchapel.com.

Well done long and faithful servant, we bid you farewell.