Joseph Richard Viens, 79, passed away peacefully at his home on February 21, 2018.

Joe, known to his family and friends as Dick, was born on August 6, 1938 in Lawrence, MA. He joined the Marine Corp soon after graduating from high school and served most of his years stationed in Hawaii learning to love the tropical weather. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Massachusetts where he became a Massachusetts State Trooper.

He met his soulmate, Marjorie A. DiDio, in 1960 and moved to South Florida to be near her and the beautiful warm weather he loved so much. They married, in 1963, and spent the next 54 years creating memories with family and friends, including their two children, Michele and Richard.

Forever a Marine, he continued his career in law enforcement as a Miramar Police Officer (1967-1974) and as a member of the Special Investigative Unit for the Broward County School Board (1974-2003).

His commitment to public service never wavered. He served as a Councilman for the City of Miramar in the years prior to being elected Mayor of the city in 1978. He felt a powerful devotion to local government and would often share his memories of challenges and moments he faced during his term as Mayor. He was invited by then President Ronald Regan to attend a Mayoral Dinner at the White House. Only one mayor from each state was invited; Joe and Marjorie represented Florida. The private access to the White House, that evening, was something he never forgot. He was proud to have the opportunity to serve the city and many friendships acquired during those years lasted a lifetime.

Post-retirement, Joe and Marjorie enjoyed traveling with friends. He also enjoyed playing a regular game of poker, had years of good times with friends from their Township community in Coconut Creek, and weekend parties at the local Elks Lodge. But his favorite activity was spending hours in the pool with his young grandchildren.

He is survived by Marjorie and their children Michele (Bryan) and Richard (Patricia). Combined they have six grandchildren: Olivia, Meredith, Wade, Paige, Dietrich and Adeline.

His only request, for himself, was to have his passing honored with Military representation and the Marine Corp present at his funeral. His interment will be at the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida. The services will be open for family and friends to come witness the beauty of a soldier's final resting place.

Published online www.coralspringsfuneralhome.com.

Contributor: Lisa Braddy Clerie (48263402)

Joseph Richard Viens, 79, passed away peacefully at his home on February 21, 2018.

Joe, known to his family and friends as Dick, was born on August 6, 1938 in Lawrence, MA. He joined the Marine Corp soon after graduating from high school and served most of his years stationed in Hawaii learning to love the tropical weather. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Massachusetts where he became a Massachusetts State Trooper.

He met his soulmate, Marjorie A. DiDio, in 1960 and moved to South Florida to be near her and the beautiful warm weather he loved so much. They married, in 1963, and spent the next 54 years creating memories with family and friends, including their two children, Michele and Richard.

Forever a Marine, he continued his career in law enforcement as a Miramar Police Officer (1967-1974) and as a member of the Special Investigative Unit for the Broward County School Board (1974-2003).

His commitment to public service never wavered. He served as a Councilman for the City of Miramar in the years prior to being elected Mayor of the city in 1978. He felt a powerful devotion to local government and would often share his memories of challenges and moments he faced during his term as Mayor. He was invited by then President Ronald Regan to attend a Mayoral Dinner at the White House. Only one mayor from each state was invited; Joe and Marjorie represented Florida. The private access to the White House, that evening, was something he never forgot. He was proud to have the opportunity to serve the city and many friendships acquired during those years lasted a lifetime.

Post-retirement, Joe and Marjorie enjoyed traveling with friends. He also enjoyed playing a regular game of poker, had years of good times with friends from their Township community in Coconut Creek, and weekend parties at the local Elks Lodge. But his favorite activity was spending hours in the pool with his young grandchildren.

He is survived by Marjorie and their children Michele (Bryan) and Richard (Patricia). Combined they have six grandchildren: Olivia, Meredith, Wade, Paige, Dietrich and Adeline.

His only request, for himself, was to have his passing honored with Military representation and the Marine Corp present at his funeral. His interment will be at the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida. The services will be open for family and friends to come witness the beauty of a soldier's final resting place.

Published online www.coralspringsfuneralhome.com.

Contributor: Lisa Braddy Clerie (48263402)