J. R. “’Sonny” Viterbo, 81, of Nederland, died August 7, 2012. Born January 31, 1931, in Beaumont and resident of Nederland, Sonny was the son of Emelie Hebert Viterbo and Verne David Viterbo.  A 1957 graduate of Texas A&M University, Sonny was a decorated veteran of the Korean War, serving in the 3rd Battalion of the First Marine Regiment, First Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps.

From 1972-1983, Sonny was the owner of L & W X-Ray.  He was an avid outdoorsman, accomplished cook, and entrepreneur.  In the early 80’s, he helped to form the Mid County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.

Sonny is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Patricia Viterbo of Nederland; son, Edward Viterbo and his wife, Suzanne Crawford Viterbo, of Sugar Land; daughters, Elizabeth McLaughlin and her husband, David, of Houston and Catherine Ballard and her husband, Dean, of Friendswood; grandchildren, Gregory, Joseph, and Patrick McLaughlin and Emelie Nelson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A gathering of Mr. Viterbo’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening, August 9, 2012, with a Christian Vigil at 6:00 p.m. at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 10, 2012, at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, 700 Jefferson Street, Beaumont, followed by burial at Memory Gardens of Jefferson County, Nederland.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Cathedral School, 850 Forsythe Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701 or to one’s charity of choice.