John A. Vivari Obituary

Loving Husband, Father, Clampa, Son, Brother, and Friend, John Vivari died Monday, February 23, 2015 in peace. His influence on all of us will remain an indelible part of who we are. We will recall the lessons in life he taught us. He will continue to be in our thoughts and memories during our lifetimes.
John has been a story-teller, recalling funny times and sentimental times of his childhood living in Meriden, Connecticut within a family having rich traditions, with roots in Northern Italy. As a young adult, John visited both sides of his parents' heritage with them and his sister, Rene.
He began dating Phyllis in 1958 then married her on February 20, 1965. This year they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary!
A highlight of his life was the births of their children, John in 1969 then Regina in 1972. The beautiful tapestry of their family life was built around their children. When their children chose spouses, the tapestry became even more beautiful. Parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, coworkers and friends contributed to the complexity and richness of his lifelong experiences. Then, starting in 1999 with the birth of John A. Vivari the Third, he knew the joys of being a grandparent,, John liked to tease each baby's parents saying in the newborn's crib, "Say Clam. Say Clam." with a grin on his face. Well, the clam moniker stuck. He became changed from Grampa to Clampa for John, Dominic, Lauren, Eric and Kevin. They have been a blessing to him, as are their parents, John and Patti, and Regina and Brian. All have been deeply loved.
After graduating from Meriden High School, John worked diligently to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Connecticut. His 38 year career with the CT Department of Transportation began in the Highway Division and concluded in 2001 as Assistant Manager of Traffic Engineering. A recent email gives a glimpse of John's career. "John is one of my favorite people and a hero to me from my first up close encounter probably in 1975. I was in a meeting with about half of CTDOT, all men, who advised me that the Route 25 expressway project was going to be cancelled. After this news, John took me aside and essentially adopted me, a woman transportation planner in an engineer's world. We developed a life-long friendship. I know he mentored other planners and engineers, so I wasn't unique in that way, but it was how John cared about others professionally and personally. He was never too busy to spend time with his friends, family or colleagues. His sense of humor, yes trademark corny, is something else."
John loved to play. He inserted jokes and funny sayings into daily life, sometime sending silly cards or planning mischief with brother-in-law Jim or our children and their families. Even on the way into surgery on January 12, he was telling a favorite joke. John's grandkids know he was always game for fun or walking his beloved dog, Brewster. His fun extended to his pool exercise friends both in Rhode Island and Florida. Friends and family have shared many delicious meals and fun times together with him. He enjoyed guiding Phyllis around the dance floor, while double dating with his parents or most recently in Sebastian, FL John really enoyed three winter escapes to Florida.
During the last two months John and Regina have taken many walks down memory lane during time with their Dad. They have endless stories to tell, especially boating adventures on the CT River, Long Island Sound and Narragansett Bay. He loved to teach them what he knew. His commitment to Boy Scouts found him on camping trips, including two long journeys down the CT River by canoes with John Jr's troupe.
John joined RISAA over 10 years ago and has enjoyed participating every month at the meetings in West Warwick. Highlights of the year have been volunteering at the Annual Fishing Show and hosting RI children on his boat for Take-A-Kid-Fishing Day. Enriching the lives of children was one of his beliefs. Also, the club awards scholarships to young people who are interested in water-related majors. John would appreciate donations to the RISAA Foundation, PO Box 1465, Coventry, RI 02816 more than flowers.
John has touched our lives. He has cared for us. He gave us his support, strength, wisdom, humor, honesty, insight into situations, respect, intelligence, guidance, playfulness, commitment, and determination to do the right thing. He will always be with us in spirit.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, March 1, from 2 to 5pm.at the Tucker-Quinn Funeral Chapel 643 Putnam Ave.Greenville, RI. There will be an 11am Mass at St. Philip Church at 622 Putnam Pike in Greenville, RI on Monday, March 2.