Obituaries

Andrew Vargo, Sr., age 89, a lifelong resident of Ransom, died peacefully at his home November 2, 2014, after an illness. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Helen Regina Kowalchik Vargo. Born on August 27, 1925, he was the son of the late Alexander and Julia Badner Vargo.
Andrew was educated at Newton-Ransom High School. He was a longtime truck driver for Nu-Car Carriers of Mahwah, New Jersey. A music lover, he’ll forever be remembered for his harmonica playing and passing his love and appreciation for music on to his children. A handyman, he was talented at working with electronics and mechanics. He will be dearly missed by his loving family and friends.
He honorably served our country in the Navy during WWII from 1944 to 1946 as an Engineer in the Amphibious Ships Division in the Southwest Pacific, Japan and China. He was also stationed in Hawaii and San Francisco, California. His stay in Hawaii made an impression on him that he would savor forever, especially the Hawaiian music.
He is survived by his daughters Gloria Vargo Cupano and husband David of Hanover Township, and Lynn (Vargo) Fargo of Scranton; son Andrew Vargo, Jr. and companion Laura of Meshoppen; grandchildren Donna Vargo Franciosa and Andrew Michael Vargo; and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Brothers Michael, Alec, John, Charles and Paul Vargo, and sisters Mary Squirlock, Julia Smigiel and Anna Skowronski also preceded him in death.
A private burial service was held with full military rites by the AMVETS Honor Guard at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Old Forge by Pastor James A. Wert. The family would like to thank the VA Medical Center of Wilkes-Barre for their many years of caring service, as well as the VA’s Home Based Primary Care Unit, especially Denise Newcomb, his visiting nurse. In gratitude for the entire staff’s compassion and care given to Andrew, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the HBPC of the VA Medical Center. Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street in Old Forge.