Chaminade College Preparatory is deeply saddened to announce Bro. LeRoy Viera, S.M. died at the age of 92 on January 20, 2019, in Cupertino, California.

Born in a farming, grape growing area of Antioch, California, Bro. LeRoy Viera developed mechanical skills in construction related to utilities, carpentry, and plumbing.  After a stint in the Coast Guard, Bro. LeRoy worked at a chemical company by day and learned carpentry by night, which helped him get a carpenter’s job at a paper mill. At age 26, he joined the Marianist order in Santa Cruz and served in Honolulu, Rome, Walla Walla, and Gardena.  He was a fixture at Chaminade, West Hills, from 1992 until his retirement in 2015.

While at Chaminade, Bro. LeRoy worked in the physical plant department keeping the high school campus beautiful and in working order. He 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 was also heavily involved with the Chaminade Players in helping them construct sets for all high school theater productions and teaching students how to wield power tools with confidence. He was known to say “YES” to any request and always displayed a warm and friendly demeanor.

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.

A vigil and funeral Mass will take place next week in Cupertino at 22683 Alcalde Road, Cupertino, California 95014. The vigil is on Sunday, January 27 at 4:30 p.m., and the funeral Mass is on Monday, January 28 at 10:00 a.m. with the burial and a luncheon to follow.

Plans are in the works for a local memorial service, details to come.