Michele "Michael" Viapiano

Michele “Michael” Viapiano, 85, of Worcester a Master Custom Tailor, passed away in his home Tuesday February 28th 2017 with his devoted family gathered at his side.     Born in Cassano delle Murge, Province of Bari Italy, Michele was one of eight children of Nicola and Maria (De Santis) Viapiano. Raised, educated and trained in Italy, he served in the Italian Air Force and immigrated to the United States in 1957.  Once settled in Worcester, Michael accepted positions as Master Custom Tailor for the former DeMichele Inc., and later for the House of Doherty.  Michael then founded his own clothing company with his wife, called Viapiano Clothier, where he handcrafted custom garments and strove to create the perfect fit, treating each piece as a fresh new challenge and each customer as a lifelong friend. He dedicated his life to his family, his clients and his art.    Michael is survived by his devoted wife and "Love of his Life” Ersilia “Lia” (Sabatini) Viapiano; his daughter, Maria Pia Viapiano and her husband Jacques Letalon of New York City; two grandsons he adored, Nicholas James Giordano and Jean-Michel Letalon; six siblings, Francesca Viapiano Manghisi in Florence Italy, Domenico Viapiano in Aquila, Italy, Luigi Viapiano of Worcester, Vincenzo Viapiano of Rutland, Maria Viapiano Paciolla of Taranto, Italy and Antonio Viapiano of Spencer; Many nieces, nephews and extended family members both here and in Italy.     Michael was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church.  He enjoyed singing and with his wonderful voice would serenade his family and friends.  Michael loved to dance, to cook, and to entertain with his unique sense of humor.    Funeral services will be held Monday, March 6th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St with a procession departing at 11:15 am to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Rd.where his funeral will be celebrated at 11:30 am.  Entombment will follow in St John Mausoleum.  A period of calling hours will be held, Monday March 6thfrom 9:30 am to 11:00 am prior to departing to church.