VIOTTI, Peter

The Verde Independent, Cottonwood, AZ Tuesday, October 04, 2011 Peter Viotti, long-time Cottonwood resident and businessman, passed away Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 in Camp Verde, Arizona. He was born April 19th, 1921, in Jerome, Arizona, to Barney & Angelina Viotti. Mr. Viotti grew up in Jerome and graduated high school in 1939. Following graduation, Whitten Printers in Jerome employed him where he earned a Student Diploma in the International Typographical Union of North America. A Sergeant in the 98th Bomb Squadron he served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a radio operator and was honorably discharged in 1946. Subsequently he returned to Cottonwood where he began a long career in business. Continuing his entrepreneurial ways, he moved to Flagstaff, Arizona where he opened Viotti Furniture and the Quality Inn Hotel as well as adventuring in other commercial real estate properties and bring the first radio station to Cottonwood (KVIO). During his time in Flagstaff he served on the Flagstaff City Council from 1960-1966 and it was Flagstaff where he met his devoted wife “Chiqui” and married February 10, 1967. In 1976 he returned to Cottonwood, built and opened what is know today as Viotti Village. He continued to work in the furniture business until his retirement in 1980. He served as President of the Verde Valley Chamber of Commerce, was a member of the Elks Club for 59 years as well as the America Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed his retirement and loved to share meals and companionship with his family and friends on a weekly basis. A one-time avid golfer, he had a love for antique automobiles several in which he restored himself. Pete was a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend to everyone who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Yolanda. His presence will be missed by all, but he will always be held in our hearts. He is survived by Chiqui, his wife of 44 years, daughter Vicki (Bill) of New Mexico, Sons Mike (Debbie), Tony, and Dino(Tina) all of Cottonwood, 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Memorial service will be held Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011 at 11 a.m., Immaculate Conception Church, 700 N. Bill Grey Road, Cottonwood, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests monetary contributions be made to Arizona Hospice Foundation Thrift Store, 977 South Main Street, Cottonwood, AZ 86326. Information provided by survivors.