Arthur Otis Viele

Arthur Otis Viele 83 formerly of Liberty, New York died peacefully at home on Saturday, July 22, 2023. Art was born January 29, 1940 in Turnwood, New York to Otis Orban Viele and Helen Ada Simpson.  Art shared 61 years with the love of his life Barbara Ann Davenport. Together they built a life on Wood Avenue, Liberty, New York and retired to the Griffwood Community in Fruitland Park, Florida. 

He leaves his footsteps on the outdoors from enjoying a life span of working as a successful Professional Licensed Land Surveyor, graduating from Delhi College in 1958.

Art enjoyed square dancing with his wife from the day they met at a barn dance in 1960 and then became members in the Happy Footers Square Dance Club for many decades later. With his love of music he would play his Dobro and guitar and sing "old country" songs with Barbara and with whoever wanted to join in. 

He served on the Board of Directors for the Sullivan County Historical Society and Museum as well as a member of the Sullivan County Long Beards. He had a passion for nature. Whether sitting in his boat among the lily pads or sitting quietly in the woods waiting for deer or turkeys.In his younger days he would walk the woods from one mountain in Lew Beach to another in Turnwood. He would say " I knew those woods like the back of my hands." He enjoyed spending time with his family. Bottle digging in the woods around forgotten foundations. He also enjoyed going camping and taking his family upstate. He would tell tales of a six pack of beer he forgot under a rock in a stream. 

He was a member of Hose and Truck Co. #2 fire company in Liberty, as well as past BoyScout leader in the 1970's. 

Everyone who knew Art experienced his love of life and people and his great sense of humor. He had an infectious personality and a heart of gold. 

Art leaves behind a host of lifetime friendships from the Hunter Road Hunting Camp in Willowemoc, NY to the docks of the Griffwood community in Fruitland Park, Florida. He would want you to remember him holding a fishing pole while sitting in his boat on the water of Lake Griffin.
Art is survived by his beloved wife Barbara, cherished daughter Helen and son in law Everett Williams. His pride and joy grandsons Brandon, Douglas, Curtis and Jeremy Williams. He also had a son Donald and grandson Cody.
His adored Cousins Peggy Bowers Cumiskey and Carol Tremper Pittenturf whom he loved as sisters. Cousins Jack Bowers and Donna & Joe Verderber. Nieces and Nephews and lifetime friends Wayne and Judy Travis. 

Art requested no funeral services. Donations in his memory can be made to the Sullivan County Long Beards or the Sullivan County Historical Society and Museum.

A special thank you to Vitas and his nurse Jamie for her loving care and support.