Anthony Henry Vierra

Portsmouth, RI - Anthony Henry Vierra, 85, of Quaker Manor Portsmouth, RI, passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI.He was the husband of Gloria M. Miller Vierra. Born in Middletown, RI on July 24, 1924, he was the son of the late Henry and Louise Leander Vierra. Mr. Vierra attended Middletown Schools, including the Old Weatherbee School. He served in the US Air Force and the U.S. Marine Corps, during World War II and the Korean War. Anthony served in Special Investigations receiving many service medals, including the Bronze Star and the Good Conduct Medal. He started out as a Marine Corps Drill Instructor and later a Staff Sargeant. After the service Mr. Vierra was employed as a painter, carpenter and mason. Anthony worked as a Newport Auxiliary Police Officer and later as Special Police Officer for the town of Middletown, where he became the first Animal Control Officer to receive special certification and training. He retired from the Middletown Police Department with marks in expert handgun. Anthony was an avid fisherman, and entered many striper bass tournaments and also enjoyed camping. Known for his music, dancing, playing various instruments, but most important for his guitar playing and singing he was well known for Portuguese Music and Serenading People Door to Door on Christmas Eve for many years, and also for singing every Christmas Eve at midnight over the police radio in his cruiser for the officers at work. Anthony loved animals, expert horseback rider, including polo and steeple chasing. Most of all, he loved dogs and is survived by his grand dog, Lady. Besides his wife of 57 years, he is survived by his daughter Debra Vierra Murphy of Jamestown, RI, his step father Antone Rodrigues of Portsmouth, RI, his sister Clara Nunes of Middletown, RI, his uncle Manuel Leander of Middletown, RI, his aunt Albertina Reiter of Newport, RI and many cousins, nieces and nephews.He was the father of the late Henry Vierra, the son of the late Louise Leander Vierra Rodrigues and the brother of the late Mary Oliveira. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2009, at 10:00 am in Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport. Burial will be private. Donations in his memory may be made to Robert Potter League For Animals, PO Box 412, Newport, RI 02840.