During a vigil, loved ones released balloons and shared memories of Vialva, whom they described as a man dedicated to helping others.
"I know my dad's in heaven smiling down; it's just rough," said his son, Robert Vialva.
Russell Vialva was shot and killed outside his business, AI Plus Auto, on Ogontz Avenue. The shop was still celebrating its grand opening at the time of the shooting.
Police have charged Elijah Parker, 28, of Elkins Park, with murder in connection with the killing.
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Friday's gathering focused not on the accused, but on the life Vialva lived and the impact he had on those around him.
"I was devastated. I almost just passed out because my husband is such a nice person; he tries to help people," said his wife, Carleen Vialva.
Several people at the vigil said Vialva helped them build better lives by offering jobs and guidance.
"He gave me an opportunity to work in the shop and learn a trade," one attendee said.
"About 15 years ago I came home from being incarcerated. Russel was the first person that gave me a job," another man said.
A witness to the shooting said last week that the incident stemmed from a dispute over repair work and that Vialva was shot five times. His son, who works as a mechanic at the shop, witnessed the shooting.
"It's senseless. He's a 70-year-old man; why would you do that? What possessed you to do that?" Robert Vialva said.
Despite their grief, family members said they intend to continue operating the business and preserving Vialva's legacy.
"We're not going to let his legacy go, we're not. We're going to make him proud," Robert Vialva said.
Carleen Vialva said she hopes the Lord has mercy on the suspect. She also noted that her husband's favorite scripture was 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "Love Chapter" in the Christian Bible.