John "Johnny" Viator

New Iberia- A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Mr. John “Johnny” Viator, age 84, on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 11:00AM at Nativity of Our Lady Catholic Church with Father Ed Degeyter to serve as the Celebrant. Reading from scripture will be Jimmy Pellerin and Sydney Oubre. Giftbearers will be Madison and Aubrey Hollier. Interment will follow at Nativity Mausoleum.

Visitation will begin on Monday, June 13, 2016 at 4:00PM until 9:00PM with a recitation of the Rosary at 6:30PM. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 from 8:00AM until service time.

A native and lifelong resident of New Iberia, "Johnny", as he was affectionately known, passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 5:00PM at his daughter’s residence surrounded by his loving family.

Johnny graduated high school in 1951. As a high school student, he joined the United States Army National Guard in 1948 and proudly served his country until 1957 when he was honorably discharged. Also during this time he got a job at Bell South in 1951. With hard work he became a supervisor and retired in 1987.

In his early days, Johnny enjoyed fishing, shrimping, duck hunting, and camping. As he grew older his love for camping and RVing also grew.  He was member of various camping clubs including The Telephone Pioneers, The Cruisin Cajuns, Sugar and Spice, and the South Central Chapter of American Coach.  He enjoyed taking his family to explore this great state and country in his RV. Johnny was a great husband, father, grandfather and friend, and he will be sadly missed.

Left to cherish his memory is his Wife, Ethel Pellerin Viator of New Iberia; Children, Cathy Jackson of Naples, FL, Beth Stafford and husband Chuck of Youngsville, Ellen Garacci and husband Frank of New Iberia, Mike Viator and wife Kim of Youngsville; Stepchildren, George Messinger of New Iberia, Mark Messinger and wife Karen of TX, David Messinger and wife Carol of New Iberia, Christal Messinger of New Iberia; Grandchildren, Stacey Hollier Oubre, Jimmy Hassell, Sean Hassell, Christopher Hollier, Nicholas Martin, Nicole Viator, MacKenzie Viator; Step Grandchildren, Janie Langley, Sonya Bayard, Nathaniel Messinger, Michael Messinger, Kipper Messinger, Charles Stafford II, Jarrod Stafford, Meghann White, Rachael Robichaux; 21 Great Grandchildren; Sisters-in-law, Linda Viator and Rowena Johnson ; Brothers-in-law, Roy, Warren, Joseph, Jimmy, Johnny, and Nolan Pellerin.

He was preceded in death by his Parents; Nicholas Viator and Elise David Viator; First Wife, Mercedes Barras Viator; Brother, David Viator; and infant Daughter, Mercedes Teresa Viator.

Upholding the honor of Pallbearers are Christopher Hollier, Tate Oubre, Seth Oubre, Nicholas Martin, David Messinger, and Charles Stafford II.  Honorary Pallbearers will be David Viator, Sean Hassell, Jimmy Hassell, Mark Messinger, George Messinger, and JT Ewing.

The family would like to thank his hospice nurses Louise Segura, Jenee Segura, Judith Crowder, Jackie Cormier, and Madeline Finke for all of their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers donation in Mr. Viator’s honor can be made to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston St. Suite #200, Lafayette, LA 70503.

Family and friends wishing to express condolences can sign the online guestbook.

David Funeral Home of New Iberia, 1101 Trotter St., (337)369-6336 is in charge of arrangements.