Lawrence Viel

OXFORD - Lawrence L. Viel, 87, of Water Street, died Tuesday, March 24, 2009, in his home. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Katherine H. (Bomba) Viel of Oxford; eight children, Diana M. Peterson and her husband George of Grafton, Lawrence L. Viel Jr. and his wife Cynthia of Charlton; Michael P. Viel and his wife Sheila of Charlton; Daniel J. Viel and his wife Sandra of Oxford; Kathleen M. Saad and her husband Alfred of Thompson, CT, Mary L. Tolic and her husband Mato of Oxford, Ann E. Eckl and her husband Ludwig of Monson, and Patricia A. Viel of Oxford; seventeen grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his first wife, Shirley (Vadas) Viel of Worcester, who died in 1952; his step father, Oscar Erickson of Worcester, who died in 1981; a brother, Wallace Viel; and a sister, Pearl Dunphy. He was born in Van Buren, ME, the son of the late Peter and Edna (Corbin) Viel, and lived in Worcester before moving to Oxford 55 years ago. He graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester, and was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, serving in the Asiatic/Pacific Theater. Mr. Viel retired from the Massachusetts State Police as Station Commander of the Sturbridge Barracks in 1971, after 24 years of service. He was a member of St. Ann's Church in North Oxford. He was a wonderful dad, husband, and grandfather, and enjoyed his family. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2009, at St. Ann's Church, 652 Main St., North Oxford. Friends are respectfully invited to meet at the church. Military burial will follow at North Cemetery, Oxford. Calling hours are private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 640 Main St., Worcester, MA 01608. Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, is directing the arrangements.