Larry Alan Viano, 71

Larry Alan Viano, 71, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, after a long-fought battle with a neurodegenerative genetic disease, Fragile X Tremor and Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS), just three days short of his 72nd birthday.

Larry was born on May 22, 1954, in Kalispell. He was the middle child born to Peter and Kathryn Viano. Larry spent most of his life in Kalispell. He had many jobs growing up: he shined shoes, had a paper route, and worked as a grocery store bagger at Rosauers. Larry attended Saint Matthew’s for elementary school, where he served as an altar boy. The nuns at St. Matthew’s told his mom, “Larry has brains to burn.”

He graduated from Flathead High School in 1972. Larry was a star tennis player at Flathead High School. He and his friends pulled off one of the biggest graduating pranks of all time when they hoisted a Volkswagen Bug onto the roof of Flathead High. Larry attended the University of Montana and graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1976. He went on to earn his Certified Public Accountant license, acing the exams on his first try. Larry later returned to college and received his MBA from the University of Montana.

He met the love of his life, Cindy Gwynn, while playing a softball game. Cindy was umpiring at first base; after she called him out, he asked her out. They were married on Sept. 21, 1974, in Eureka, MT. They were blessed with a daughter, Marcia Nicole, in 1979, and a son, Timothy William, in 1981.

The couple moved to Helena, where Larry started a CPA business. A few years later, they moved back to Kalispell, and Larry began a career at Semitool in 1984. He worked at Semitool until 2009. During his 25 years with the company, he created a legacy and worked his way up to Chief Financial Officer. He dedicated much of his life to his career.

Larry and Cindy ultimately retired to Cape Coral, Florida, for his love of fishing and her love of sunshine. Larry spent time riding motorcycles, golfing, fishing in the bay, drinking rum, and enjoying get-togethers with friends. He loved Florida and called it home in his final years.

Larry had many hobbies, and he became obsessed with perfecting each one. He always had to have the latest and greatest gadgets. His love for outdoor sports led him to fly-fishing, building fly rods, tying flies, rafting, camping, and hiking. He loved hunting big game and traveled with friends all over the United States for the hunt. One of his many accomplishments was visiting all 50 states. He also traveled all over the world, visiting 97 countries.

He was an accomplished woodworker who turned the garage into a workshop and made several family heirlooms. Larry loved astronomy and Montana history. He enjoyed watching PBS Nova and the Lewis and Clark miniseries.

Larry had a taste for the finer things in life. He lived life to the fullest and was a self-proclaimed foodie and wine snob. He loved to cook, dine at fancy restaurants, try new foods, and watch cooking shows on repeat. He had every cooking gadget known to man. He learned his love for cooking from his Italian mother and grandmother. Larry loved spending time in the kitchen making food with his family. Inspired by his Italian grandfather, he also took up winemaking. He crushed grapes and fermented wine in any glass bottle he could find. He also famously loved Heinz ketchup and it had to be unrefrigerated!

Larry was a University of Montana Grizzlies Football superfan. He held season tickets on the 50-yard line for more than 30 years. For many years, the Viano tailgate was the place to be at every Grizzly home game. He was a dedicated fan who traveled to National Championships and gave back to the University. GO GRIZ!!

Above all, Larry’s greatest passion was his family. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren fiercely. He was happiest as 'Nonno,' playing trains with his grandkids, taking them out for ice cream, and singing ’70s tunes on the car radio.

“A man’s friendships are one of the best measures of his worth.” — Charles Darwin. This was certainly true for Larry. He had the most loyal friends. Larry was charismatic, hilarious, and always ready to tease. He endeared himself to many people, and he will live on in their lives and memories.

Larry was preceded in death by his mother, Kathryn (Greco) Viano; his father, Peter Viano; and his wife, Cynthia 'Cindy' (Gwynn) Viano.

He is survived by his daughter, Marci (Viano) Davis, and son-in-law, Phil Davis, of Eugene, Oregon; his son, Tim Viano, and daughter-in-law, Nina Viano, of Kalispell; and the lights of his life, his grandchildren, Wilbur and Roma Davis and Bridger and Makenna Viano. He is also survived by his siblings, Ronald and Nancy Viano of Boise, Idaho, and Debbie (Viano) Sprague and Mick Sprague.

Larry requested no funeral or memorial services. We will honor his wishes. If you knew Larry, you know it was always best to do as he said.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions go to the National Fragile X Foundation. 

Please mail check donations to:

National Fragile X Foundation

1012 14th Street NW, Suite 500

Washington, DC 20005