Jeanerette – A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted for Matthew Frank Viator, 33, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Jeanerette, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 1:00PM with Fr. Francis Damoah officiating. Interment to follow at Beau Pre Cemetery of Jeanerette.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 9:00AM until the time of service at 1:00PM. A rosary will be prayed at Frioux Funeral Home of Jeanerette by the Men’s Rosary Group at 11:00AM.

A native of Jeanerette and resident of New Iberia, Matthew Frank Viator passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Matthew will be remembered as a man who found joy in the simple things and gave love freely to everyone around him. A talented cook, he was best known for his chicken stew, gumbo, and stir fry. He enjoyed spending time gaming on his PC, cheering on the LSU Tigers and making memories with his beloved dog Bear.

Matthew found endless wonder in galaxies far, far away, carrying along a lifelong love of Star Wars and all things science fiction and fantasy. He was an avid reader who often found himself between the pages of an epic novel, he cherished the adventure and sense of possibility these worlds brought him.

A 2011 honor graduate of Jeanerette High School and an alumnus of St. Joseph School, he was known for putting smiles on the faces of those around him. He had a truly big heart and a deep empathy for others, shown most selflessly in the care and love he gave his grandparents in their final days.

Matthew is survived by his parents David Viator and Melinda Viator; two siblings, Jonathan Viator and wife Shawna Viator, and Alison Viator; a niece, Khloe Viator; his nephew and godson, Avery Viator; nephew, Adam Viator; aunts, Karen Ruiz, Sandy Viator; uncles, Micheal Cearley, Teddy Viator.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, TJ Viator and Audrey Viator; maternal grandparents, Gary Cearley and Joyce Cearley; uncle, Todd Viator.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Jonathan Viator, Alison Viator, Anthony Ruiz, and Dylan Hebert.

Frioux-David Funeral Home of Jeanerette, 400 Provost St. 337-276-5151 will be handling the arrangements.