William N. Viola

William Nicholas Viola, 71, of Livingston, passed away on February 1, 2026 in Summit, NJ, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on September 7, 1954 in Brooklyn, New York. The son of Dominick and Angela Viola, he grew up in the Bensonhurst section learning the value of hard work, family and community. He graduated from Xaverian High School in 1972 and later from Manhattan College with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1976.

He passed up an opportunity to fulfill his childhood dream of working for the New York Sanitation Department in favor of a career with PSE&G. He began his career in supervisory roles at Mercer and Linden Generating Stations. He advanced rapidly to multiple department head positions, including Performance Engineer at Linden. He later joined Cogen Technologies, managing a newly constructed facility, providing electric and demineralized water service to Exxon. He would return to PSEG as Director of Gas Turbines, a role he held until his retirement in 2012 having developed lasting relationships, and leaving behind a legacy defined by integrity, leadership and a genuine care for others.

Bill’s move to New Jersey would prove serendipitous. He settled in Woodbridge and met his loving wife, Carol and her children, Tara and Joseph. Bill and Carol married in 1992, and he would become the ultimate family man. He was a doting husband and dedicated father. He brought energy and warmth to the family and had a powerful presence at every moment, milestone and move.

In 2004 Bill and Carol relocated to Forked River, where they created many memories and lasting friendships. Their home became a destination for their children, grandchildren, friends and family. Bill savored life on the lagoon. There are many memories of him on his deck and on his boat, with his dogs on his lap. He enjoyed traveling with his “Carol Annie.” They made many trips in and out of the country, and would ultimately make Key West their winter home for many years.

For the last 17 years, Bill became known as “Poppy.” He cherished his five grandchildren and was the perfect combination of fun and wisdom. Together, he and “Gigi” did everything with the grandkids from singing and dancing to sports and swimming. Poppy helped to fill their childhood experiences with vibrance and happiness.

Bill loved to ride his Harley Davidson motorcycle. His riding partner since 1992 was his good friend Ray Shellhamer. They took trips each summer to places all over the country, including Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Sturgis, South Dakota. They loved returning to the mountainous and curvy roads of West Virginia and western Pennsylvania. It is estimated that they rode over 50,000 miles together over the years.

Bill is predeceased by his parents, Dominick and Angela; his mother-in-law, “Scottie,” and his sister-in-law, Marianna.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Carol; daughter, Tara Higgins and her husband, Carmen and son, Joseph Higgins and Robin Stayvas; his five grandchildren, Leanne, Abigail, Charlie, Ava, and Ben; his nephews, Joseph Viola and wife Claire and Michael Viola and wife Melanie; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Thomas and Gail Marciniak and John and Roberta Marcininak; as well as so many friends, neighbors and extended family whom he loved dearly.

Visiting will be held in the Prout Funeral Home, 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona on Friday, February 6 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be offered in Our Lady of the Lake Church, 28 Lakeside Avenue, Verona on Saturday, February 7 at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) would be greatly appreciated.

Condolences, memories and photos may be left on his obituary page at www.proutfuneralhome.com.