Christopher "Chris" Viano

Chris Viano, a land surveyor and lifelong resident of Springfield, Virginia, passed away tragically, too soon, at the age of 22 on Monday, January 29, 2019, at Fairfax Hospital. He was born on August 29, 1996, at the same hospital, to Paul Viano and Nancy Artherholt Viano, and was welcomed home by Nate Viano, his big brother and best friend through his life. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 2, as well as facing many challenges later in life, he never let that interfere with how deeply he loved and the compassion he showed for all living things. Under his quiet exterior, his intelligence showed immediately to anyone who had ever met Chris. He quickly picked up anything he learned and, as a young boy, aspired to be an architect or engineer and build things. He was intensely loyal to the people he loved and the causes he cared about. He had an innate ability to discern the truth about people and situations and spoke honestly about what he saw. Chris had a wonderful sense of humor. Chris attended Ravensworth Elementary School and later Burke School, where he got immense help and support from the caring teachers and staff there. He earned a GED in January 2016 after completing high school through a home course of study. Hagan Briggs, of Apex Surveys, was the first to give him a professional chance and helped show him a bigger and brighter world that he had not experienced before. Chris grew so much in every way with Hagan, Guy Briggs III, and Nate as his mentors at Apex. He later followed his brother to Pennoni Associates, where he excelled and grew further in his surveying knowledge and view of the world. After leaving Pennoni and transitioning to Christopher Consultants, he sadly was only able to experience his first day in that position before leaving this world. Chris loved to help anyone he could in any way he could. He also loved animals, computers, video games, Australian rap music, helping children, history, as well as so much more. He is survived by his loving mother, Nancy Artherholt Viano; his beloved big brother, Nathan David Viano; his dedicated grandfather, David Artherholt; as well as his devoted aunt uncle and cousins, Carol and Dennis Funkhouser, DJ Funkhouser and Rebecca Banks (Anthony); his second godmother, Viddy Comsa; his sister in spirit, Victoria Tully; and other friends and relatives, including his father, Paul Viano. He was predeceased by his grandmothers, Edna Artherholt and Jean Viano, and his uncle Christopher Viano for whom he was named. In lieu of flowers, we ask that a contribution be made to a go fund me set up in his name (gofundme.com/Chris-Viano) to help with funeral expenses. Or if so inclined instead we ask that donations be made in his name to Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC, as they saved him as a child. The hospital provided him the opportunity to experience the life he had the privilege to live, as tragically short as it was. Chris would want the same for any young child who ever has to enter those doors. Chris will be missed by everyone who knew him and nothing will ever fill the gaping hole he has left behind in our hearts. Remember him as he was in life, with his half cracked smile, his deeply caring demeanor, and the biggest heart a soul could have. That is what he would want all of us to do as he looks down and smiles over us for he is in a better, peaceful place. “Do not weep for me for I have not gone. I am the memory that dwells in the heart of those that knew me.” - Anonymous