MIDDLEBURY — Leo Viens of Middlebury, born in Swanton, Vt., to Arthur and Louisia (Laroche) Viens, passed away peaceably in the presence of his loving family.
He is survived by his wife, Annie (Many) Viens, along with his daughter Karen Alcorn of Rutland, Vt., and his son and wife, Charles and Barbara Viens of Hudson, N.H. He was predeceased by his father and mother along with a son, Thomas Viens.
Leo came from a large family of fourteen brothers and sisters. All of the siblings grew up working the family farm in Swanton. He is survived by sisters Laurette Demers of New Haven, Conn.; Sue Mangano of Dunellen, Fla.; and Diane Viens of Albuquerque, N.M. Leo has eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren along with five stepchildren: Heidi Hart Sullivan of Bristol; Michelle Devost of St. Johnsbury; Angelique Devost of Madison, N.J.; Margot Cousino of Monkton; and Don Devost of Middlebury.
Leo was a proud veteran, serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era as a tank commander. Leo served overseas in Germany, returned home to Vermont, and served in the Vermont National Guard. He was a long-distance truck driver for many years and a road supervisor in the Orange County Highway Department, Orlando, Fla. Leo returned to Middlebury, Vt., in 2000, semi-retired, and drove truck/operated heavy machinery for various companies until his full retirement.
Leo was a master mechanic, well-schooled in machinery and hydraulics. He could fix almost anything and spent many enjoyable hours helping family and friends. Never without a work project, the man could flat-out work — a trait that was admired by both family and friends alike. Leo was a 40-year member of the American Legion, a life member of Disabled American Veterans and a 3rd-Degree Knight of Columbus.
He will be buried in the American Legion Veterans’ cemetery in Middlebury, Vt.
In lieu of flowers, all donations are asked to be contributed in Leo’s name to Brain Injury Association of Vermont, 92 South Main Street, PO Box 482, Waterbury, VT 05676.
The family plans a celebration of life service in the spring.◊