Donald Joseph Vieira

Donald Joseph Vieira passed away in Visalia, California on September 7, 2026, at the age of ninety-one. He was born to Joseph J Vieira and Alice Novo Vieira on December 17, 1934, in Turlock, California where he grew up working on the family farm and graduated from Turlock High School. Continuing his education, Don went to Modesto Junior College and Cal State Stanislaus before obtaining his teaching credential from UC Davis with a degree in Agricultural Mechanics. On February 5, 1956, Donald married the love of his life M Adrienne Avila (Vieira), and together they shared 70 wonderful years. In 1958, Don and Adrienne moved to Exeter, California where he began his teaching career in Agriculture at Exeter High School. He soon moved on to College of the Sequoias in Visalia, California where he taught Ag Mechanics and ran the school farm for 31 years. He retired in May 1996. Don and Adrienne raised four children while living and working in Visalia, California. He was a nurturing father and took immense pride in his children's accomplishments. He had a big orchard on his property that produced a plethora of citrus, nuts, and stone fruit. His peach varieties produced delicious fruit from April to October that later became wonderful pies and cobblers. Don and Adrienne enjoyed many adventures in their travel trailer visiting National Parks all over the United States. He also loved rafting down the Colorado River so much that he volunteered as a swamper on the rafts. He enjoyed eight glorious river adventures paying only for the first and last trip. His group of friends affectionately known as the "Honda Nuts," spent many Spring Breaks riding their Honda 90 motorcycles exploring the Mojave Desert. Don was also a proud member of the Tule Gem and Mineral Society for over 50 years and made numerous pieces of fine jewelry for his family. He planned several expeditions to search for gemstones with the "Rockhounds" often bartering roadside cleaning services to gain access to private properties to dig for his precious rocks. He was truly at his happiest on the road visiting unfamiliar places with family and friends. Being a skilled craftsman, Don also enjoyed woodworking. His family members are all proud recipients of his beloved birdhouses and wooden bowls. His work most often used repurposed tree branches or stumps of trees from his own orchard. He was a lifelong teacher and student with a curious mind, showing interest in anyone he met with an often-in-depth interview of their career and passions in life. His grandchildren have often said, "Papa knows a lot of stuff about a lot of stuff." Truer words were never spoken. He had an enthusiastic sense of humor and loved to tease and share a good joke and would giggle when he was most proud of his children. He was a lover of fruit, fruit desserts, and especially ice cream! He was fond of a hearty handshake, a hug, and a pat-a Vieira pat--on the back. He was ready to assist family with any building or painting project at a moment's notice. His legacy of endless curiosity, sense of adventure, love of nature, and spirit of positivity are all admirable virtues his children have made effort to honor in their own lives. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Alice Vieira, his daughter Renee Montes, grandson Daniel McGee, and great-grandson Lucas Montes. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Adrienne; daughter Deborah (Buc) Yates, son Scott (Darice) Vieira and daughter Diana (Shawn) Gilbert; siblings Veronica Hoyt, Ken (Linda) Vieira, Kathy Nelson, Steve Vieira, Ed (Pat) Vieira, Timothy (Barbara) Vieira and Edith (Bob) Mauk. He also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed. A celebration of life will be held at the PPAV Hall located in Visalia at 820 E Main Street on Friday, October 9th at 11 am. A luncheon will follow. The family would like to thank the staff at Quail Park Memory Care on Tulare Avenue in Visalia for their compassionate care over the last year. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Donald Joseph Vieira

December 17, 1934 - September 7, 2026