Chester Monroe Via

Chester Monroe Via, 75, of Midlothian, passed away on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center in Richmond.

Mr. Via was born on January 19, 1937 in Harriston, VA and was a son of the late William King and Cora Harris Via. He attended Wilson High School in Fishersville, VA and later received a BS in information technology. Mr. Via served with distinction in the United States Army for 35 years prior to his retirement in 1988. For his contributions in the Vietnam War he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. After his military retirement, Mr. Via joined the Virginia Department of Veterans Affairs in Richmond. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, and Military Order of the Purple Heart. He enjoyed fishing, daily crossword puzzles, and was an avid reader. Mr. Via traveled the world and boasted such accomplishments as scaling Japan’s Mt. Fuji, exploring the Australian Outback and landing halibut in Alaska. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many.

On August 1, 1954 he married the former Annette Marie Aleshire who survives.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Via is survived his son Michael M. Via of Tampa FL; a daughter, Teresa Via Fuata and husband Benedict of Hilo HI; two granddaughters, Alaina M. Fuata and Alison G. Fuata; brothers, Arnold L. Via, Herbert H. Via; sisters, Shelley Via Smulsky and husband Ed, Hessie Via Dailey and husband Richard;, and many special friends who will miss him dearly.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday March 20, 2012 at 11 AM at the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes with Rev. Neil Hough officiating. Burial with military rites will follow at Augusta Memorial Park. The Via family will receive friends on Monday from 6 until 8 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Vets by visiting www.dav.org/donate.

Those wishing may send a memory or condolence to the Via family by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements entrusted to the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes. 540.949.8383