Russell Varo

Russell J. Varo, age 79, of Fairview, passed away on February 9, 2013.

Russ was born in Erie on February 21, 1933 son of the late Vincent J. "Jim" Varo and Pauline Faletta Varo. He was a graduate of Tech Memorial High School (now Erie Central Tech) and served in the United States Air Force for four years, receiving an honorable discharge in 1956. He then joined his father in the family business, and when his father retired in 1970, Russ took over the helm of Varo Moving and Storage. Although he officially retired in 1998, he kept active in the trucking business by driving tractor-trailers part time for Gary McClellan and Federal Express until July of 2012.

He was a member of both the Maennerchor Club and Erie Elk's Lodge #67.

In addition to his parents, Russ was preceded in death by two sisters, Marie Varo Hulings Crouch and Rosemary Varo and a brother Samuel J. Varo Sr.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janet F. Kohl Varo; his son V. Joseph Varo; and his daughter and son-in-law, Lory A. Varo and Thomas Maggio. He also leaves behind a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard A. Kohl and Katherine Davies Kohl; a sister-in-law Beatrice Summers Varo; three sisters, Anna Marie Varo Pellican Conti (John), Josephine Varo Hermann Barber and Vincetta Varo Wieczkowski Haight; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In accordance with Russ's wishes, no calling hours will be observed. Private arrangements have been entrusted to the Burton Funeral Home and Crematory 602 West 10th Street Erie PA 16502.

Memorials may be made to Great Lakes Hospice 1700 Peach Street Erie PA 16501 or St. Mary's at Asbury Ridge 4855 West Ridge Road Erie, PA 16506 .