Ethan Viele

Bright, Kind, Gentle Spirit

It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that the family of Ethan Dane Viele, age 19, of Naugatuck, share the news of his unexpected passing, the result of a tragic motorcycle accident on Friday, September 12, 2025.

Ethan was born on July 20, 2006 in New Haven, Connecticut. He was the proud son of Eftihia Mandrozos and Eric V. Viele. He graduated from Kaynor Technical High School, where he pursued his passion for Precision Machinery. With a dedicated work ethic, he embarked on a 2-year summer internship at Sikorsky in Stratford, which blossomed into full-time employment as a CNC Machinist.

Ethan’s interests were as vibrant and varied as his passions. In his earlier years, Ethan was a talented origamist, and he enjoyed collecting rocks and feathers reflecting his appreciation for the simple wonders of the world. Later, he found joy in exploring abandoned places through urban exploration, hiking in the great outdoors, and fishing. He dedicated himself to transforming his body through fitness, boxing, and more recently, took up skateboarding. He had a love for video games, along with a fascination for working on cars and bikes. Ethan built a rich and meaningful life, experiencing so much in his brief time here. Above all, he cherished the precious moments spent with those he loved, especially his sister, Samantha. He spent many vacations on cruises with his stepbrothers and traveling to New Hampshire with his family when he was younger.

Ethan had a heart as big as his spirit. He was kind, thoughtful, and always looked out for others. He was quick with a witty remark, full of laughter, and had this effortless coolness about him. He made friends easily and deeply, and had a great love of animals.

He is survived by his beloved parents, Eftihia Mandrozos of Naugatuck and Eric V. Viele of Watertown; his sister, Samantha Viele of Naugatuck; his stepmother, Michele Viele of Watertown; his step-siblings, Connor, Nathan, and Gavin Garbrecht of Watertown; his grandmother, Eleni Mandrozos of Norwalk; his aunts and uncles, Ken and Christine Viele of Beacon Falls, Steve and Robin Viele of Northford, Georgia Mandrozos of Norwalk, and Gus Mandrozos of Norwalk; his very dear friends- Ian Newell of Waterbury, who was like a brother to him, along with Sarah Ramirez and Troy Payton of Waterbury; and was deeply loved by many friends and everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. As he now joins his grandfathers, grandmother, aunts, uncles, and cousins who have gone before him.

His absence will be felt profoundly by all who knew and loved him. With all our love… Ethan, I know you're still with us in spirit and I believe that someday, we’ll see each other again.

To honor his memory, relatives and friends are invited to visit with and offer their respect to Ethan’s family, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care 1987 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06705. There will also be a Celebration of Life in his honor to be announced at a later date. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ethan, please visit the gift store on our website, www.caseyfunerals.com.