Obituary of Brendan J. Viggiano

Brendan Joseph Viggiano, born October 21, 1977, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Saint Augustine, Florida. He is survived by his son, the love of his life, Christian, age 5, his parents, Joseph (Joe) and Janet Viggiano (nee Wishart), his sister, Jennifer Viggiano Bowes, his brother-in-law John Bowes; his nephews TJ Viggiano, Connor and Logan Grosse, Malcolm Simpson, Johnny and Noah Bowes; Emily Czeipel; his uncles and aunts: David and Shirley Viggiano; Fred and Mary Viggiano; Anthony and Sharon Viggiano; Jacqueline and Robert Scott as well as his many loving cousins.

A 1995 graduate of Rocky Hill High School, Brendan was a gifted athlete with a shining personality. He played varsity soccer from the time he was a freshman and graduated from Southern State Connecticut University in 2000. In addition to soccer, Brendan was an avid tennis player and golfer—two passions that he shared with his father, Joe. Involved in the family business, East Hartford Tire, at a young age, Brendan maintained a life- long passion for the automotive profession. He learned from the best— his dad, Joe, and his grandfather, Fred Viggiano, and continued this career in Florida.

As a result of his own valiant battle with cancer in his late twenties, Brendan identified strongly as a cancer survivor. He was a fierce supporter of others who would be diagnosed with that devastating disease-- traveling far distances to offer emotional support as well as participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. In sync with his Italian heritage, Brendan’s other passion included cooking. He especially loved to cook large meals for his family. At any social gathering, whether it was family, friends or strangers, Brendan connected effortlessly with those around him, frequently making them laugh and putting them at ease. In addition to his family, Brendan will be missed by his childhood friends Paul Bazzano, Pete Brini, Ryan Belmont and Mike Trefz.

A Mass of Christian burial will be on Monday, October 18, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Church, 896 Main Street, Manchester, please arrive directly at church. Burial to follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford. Family and friends may call on the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 W. Center St., Manchester, on Sunday, October 17, 2021, from 3-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven Hospital, Office of Development, PO Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508.