Robert J. Viands

YORK- Robert J. Viands, 86, of Shiloh, passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Rest Haven in York. He was the husband of Judith Ann (Moul) Viands. The couple recently recognized their 57th wedding anniversary on August 3, 2025.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd. in York. Visitation with the family will be held prior to the service from 10-11 a.m., and a luncheon following the service. An interment will be held privately at Susquehanna Memorial Gardens in York at a later date.

Robert was born on February 2, 1939, the son of the late Floyd and Mary (Zinn) Viands. He was a 1957 graduate of William Penn Senior High School where he was very proud of earning varsity letters in football and baseball. Following graduation, Robert worked as a lineman chief for Metropolitan-Edison, retiring after 37 years of service. He was dedicated to restoring electrical service to grateful local residents during times of need and in some of the harshest weather conditions imaginable, routinely working non-stop for up to 72 hours to make sure people had power. Of special note, Robert was a member of a select crew that helped with the decontamination of the Three Mile Island nuclear accident in 1979. He also traveled for Met-Ed out of state to assist in power restoration following hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters.

During retirement, Robert worked with the Latch Key Kids program at Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene where he enjoyed playing basketball with the kids, and as a courier for Beard Printing and York Hospital. Robert attended St. Matthew Lutheran Church and Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene. Being an avid Penn State football fan, he was a season ticket holder for over 40 years. Robert loved owning and racing horses, playing golf, and traveling. His travels took him and his wife to Hawaii; Jamaica; Mexico, where they climbed the steps of the great Temple of Kukulcán in Chichén Itzá; the top of Ayers Rock, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Sydney Opera House in Australia; Las Vegas; Niagara Falls; Savannah; New England; and Florida.

Along with his wife Judith, Robert leaves four sons, Ted, Ned, David, and Robert Viands; two daughters, Chanda Radabaugh and Melissa Keller; seven grandchildren, Casey, Jared, Paige, Collin, Grant, Braden, and Katharine; three great grandchildren; a sister, Gloria Dickey; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings Floyd, Donald, Betty, and Doris.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Margaret E. Moul Home, 2050 Barley Rd. York, PA 17408. Send condolences at HeffnerCare.com