By Elizabeth Gluvna ’04

This past Saturday, August 22, more than 100 friends of Bro. LeRoy Viera S.M. gathered to wish him a fond farewell as he moves to the Marianist Community in Cupertino, California. Alumni, board members, current and former faculty and staff, and Marianists, came to thank Bro. LeRoy for his many years of selfless service to the school.

A Chaminade fixture since 1992, Bro. LeRoy worked in the physical plant department keeping the high school campus beautiful and in working order. Armed with innumerable skills, Bro. LeRoy built cabinets, fixed locks, and repaired drywall, among other functional needs. He also demonstrated great artistic talent through the creation of the ceramic Blessed Virgin Mary statues, found in all middle school and high school classrooms and offices.

Bro. LeRoy has many dear friends in alumni and parents of alumni associated with the Chaminade Players. With former Drama Director Paula LaBrot, Bro. LeRoy taught students how to wield power tools with confidence, helping them construct sets for all high school theater productions. At his farewell party, many alumni thanked Bro. LeRoy for teaching them these skills, while demonstrating patience and understanding.

In 2013, Bro. LeRoy celebrated his 60 Year Jubilee as a Marianist. In conjunction with this milestone, he was honored at the annual Founders Day Mass, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Chaminade.

Born in a grape-growing area of Antioch, California, Bro. LeRoy developed construction skills related to carpentry, plumbing, and utilities. After a stint in the Coast Guard where he sailed through submarine-infested waters along the Aleutian Islands, Bro. LeRoy worked as a carpenter at a paper mill. After one of his friends was killed on the job, Bro. LeRoy considered his own future and, at age 26, joined the Marianists in Santa Cruz. Prior to Chaminade, he served in Honolulu, Rome, Walla Walla, and Gardena. With his capable hands and friendly demeanor, Bro. LeRoy is certain to be a big help in Cupertino – the Chaminade family wishes him well!