Jose Americo Viana, 76

REHOBOTH BEACH - Jose Americo Viana, of Rehoboth Beach, died suddenly on Sunday, June 1, 2008, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes. He was 76.

Mr. Viana, formerly of Vienna, Va., retired to the shore area in 1997 with his wife of 46 years, Monica Silva Viana.

Mr. Viana lived the American dream after arriving in the United States in 1958 from Brazil.

He embodied the virtues of hard work, pursuit of education, and self determination to raise a family and build a successful career.

His career began in Brazil with his father's agricultural business, and once in the United States his career moved into the banking industry concluding in Washington, D.C., in 1995 with the Inter-American Development Bank as an export finance officer.

In his retirement, he was a strong supporter of the Republican Party and supported his wife's efforts with local charities and community outreach programs.

In addition to his parents, Raimundo Viana and Maria Jose Silveira Viana, he was preceded in death by his sister, Fatima; and two brothers, Raimundo and Pedro.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Alexander Viana and his wife Kari Ann; grandson, Alexander Americo Viana; granddaughter, Gabriella Victoria Viana; two sisters, Maria Edna and Eliane; and four brothers, Joao, Alberto, Carlos and Delano.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Edmond's Catholic Church, Rehoboth Beach.

Interment will be private.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Edmond's Catholic Church, King Charles and Laurel streets, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971; or to Beebe Medical Center Foundation, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.

Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Enterprises, Inc., Lewes.