Joseph T. "Tom" Viel

Joseph Thomas Viel   Joseph “Tom” Viel, age 73, longtime resident of Northville, passed away peacefully March 1, 2017.   He was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 27, 1943; son of Robert and Edith (nee Meloche) Romano.    Tom graduated from Robichaud High School in Dearborn Heights; Class of 1961.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany.  He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Donna M. Sitarski on May 26, 1967; they were just shy of their 50th wedding anniversary.        Tom began his career as a Pipe Fitter with Ford Motor Company at the Rouge Plant and retired from Research and Engineering after 40 years with the company.  He was a member of UAW Local 245 and Local 600.   Tom loved to travel and spend time at his vacation homes.  In 2008, he and his wife spent 5 ½ months extensively travelling through Europe, visiting England, Ireland, Italy, and Germany.  Spending time in Rome at the Vatican was a highlight of the trip.  Tom shared wonderful times with his family at their cottage in Caseville on Lake Huron, which they purchased in 1968 just after he and his wife married.  He relished the spectacular views from his condo on top of Sugar Top Mountain in North Carolina and the warm weather while wintering on the Gulf Coast of Florida.  Tom enjoyed cruising, first with his son through Hines Park in his 1982 GT Mustang and later in his 2004 40th Anniversary Mustang.  He also enjoyed water sports of all kinds; boating, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and water skiing as well as fishing and cross country skiing.  Throughout his life Tom worked very hard; he was very handy and the goal of every project was always perfection no matter how long it took.  He had an adventurous spirit; he loved life and trying new things.  Tom treasured his family; he was very sweet and sentimental toward them.  He adored his grandchildren; they were his pride and joy.   Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Donna M. Viel; his children, Tom (Lori) Viel and Renèe (Graham) Parr; his siblings, Frank (Carol) Romano, Gary Romano, Gerald Romano, Helen (Jim) Orsette, and Annette Viel; and his grandchildren, Julia, Matthew, Brandon, Talia, and Sophia.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Guy Romano.    The Visitation will be held Sunday, March 5, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. with a Scripture Service at 4:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap, Northville.  A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, March 6, 2017 at 11:00 a.m., instate beginning at 10:30 a.m.  at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Dr., Northville.  Committal Prayers will be held Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd., Holly.    In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mount Elliot St., Detroit, MI 48207, Henry Ford Hospice – Oakland, One Ford Place-5A, Detroit, MI 48202 or Forgotten Harvest, 21800 Greenfield Rd., Oak Park, MI 48237 would be appreciated.