Former Delaware House Rep. John Viola Dies

Viola represented Newark and Bear for over 20 years before retiring in 2020.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Former Delaware State Representative John Viola has passed away, according to an announcement from his daughter and the Delaware House Democrats. Viola served the Newark and Bear areas in the state legislature from 1998 until his retirement in 2020, with House leadership remembering him as a "dedicated public servant" who always aimed to help people and improve their lives.

Why it matters

Viola's passing marks the end of an era for the Newark and Bear communities, which he represented for over two decades in the state legislature. As a longtime public servant, his death is being mourned by colleagues and constituents alike.

The details

Viola served in the Delaware House of Representatives from 1998 until 2020, representing parts of Newark and Bear. House Democratic leadership praised his dedication to public service, noting his time in the legislature as well as his prior service in the Air Force and as a volunteer firefighter.

  • Viola represented the Newark and Bear areas in the Delaware House of Representatives from 1998 to 2020.
  • Viola passed away in February 2026.

The players

John Viola

A former Delaware State Representative who served the Newark and Bear areas from 1998 to 2020.

Melissa Minor-Brown

The current Speaker of the Delaware House of Representatives.

Kerri Evelyn Harris

The current Majority Leader of the Delaware House of Representatives.

Ed Osienski

The current Majority Whip of the Delaware House of Representatives.

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What they’re saying

“Whether in Legislative Hall or in everyday life, John showed up every day with the same purpose: to help people and make life a little better for others.”

— Melissa Minor-Brown, Kerri Evelyn Harris, Ed Osienski, Delaware House Democratic Leadership (delawareonline.com)

The takeaway

Viola's long tenure in the Delaware legislature and dedication to public service made him a respected figure in the Newark and Bear communities, and his passing marks the end of an era for those areas.