FALL RIVER MASSACHUSETTS, The family of John T. Vieira Jr. has announced his passing on February 22, 2026, at the age of 84 due to complications related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Born in Fall River, he was the son of the late John T. Vieira and Irene (Reis) Vieira and a graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School. Vieira earned degrees from the University of Rhode Island, MIT, and Harvard and became a respected and well-known educator within Fall River Public Schools.
Throughout his career, he served in multiple roles across the district. Many former students remember him as a physics teacher at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in the early 1970s, principal of the former Wixon Elementary School during the 1970s and 1980s, Chair of the Science Department at Durfee High School in the 1990s, and later as Director of Title I Programs in the early 2000s.
Earlier in his career, Vieira also taught at the Hotchkiss School in Connecticut, where he received recognition from the senior class for his dedication to teaching. Colleagues and students described him as fair, supportive, and committed to helping others succeed.
Outside the classroom, Vieira was active in the Massachusetts Morgan Horse Association for many years and had a strong interest in horses and American Western history.
Family members shared that he leaves behind a lasting legacy through the many students he mentored and supported throughout his decades in education.
Vieira was married for nearly 62 years to his wife, Janice E. (DeMello) Vieira. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Kris Ann Jardin of Swansea; his son Steven Vieira and daughter-in-law Lori of Chesterland, Ohio; six grandchildren; one great-grandson; his sister Diane Pierce and her husband David; and two nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Karen L. Vieira.
The family will hold a private ceremony to honor his life. A memorial scholarship has been established in his name through the Fall River Scholarship Foundation. Donations may be sent to the Fall River Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 1721, Fall River, MA 02722.
