Obituary of John S. Varholak

John S. Varholak, age 94, of Stratford passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at Bridgeport Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Dee (Casillo) Varholak. Born in Bridgeport on January 9, 1930 he was a son of the late John and Mary (Hudak) Varholak.

A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, John had served his country honorably during the Korean War. He was a graduate of Harding High, where he played football and later obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of Bridgeport. John then began a long career as an engineer at Avco Lycoming before his retirement and building many friendships along the way. John was an avid sports enthusiast. He enjoyed playing golf, watching UConn women's basketball, The Yankees, and never missed the opportunity to attend and cheer for his grandsons, at their baseball games. John was the true definition of a "Jack of all trades". He was remarkably gifted and talented with his hands. He could fix nearly anything and was meticulous as both an artist and craftsman. He loved the outdoors and passed his wealth of knowledge down to his son who continues that tradition. Mr. Varholak was very active at Oronoque Village, where he was a member of the Men's Club. His greatest enjoyment however was found in the time he spent surrounded by his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he adored. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He met the love of his life, Dee, at the age of 16 and they created a beautiful family together while enjoying 71 years of marriage. Other survivors include his loving children, Linda Kennedy and her companion Bill Kolkmeyer and John R. Varholak and his wife Karen, his cherished grandchildren, Michael Kennedy and his wife Niki Webber, Kara Kennedy, Scott Kennedy, Kyle Varholak Jimenez and her husband Ciro and Shae Varholak Sattler and her husband Nick, his adored great grandchildren, Elena and John-Aris Jimenez, and his sisters, Dorothy Macura and Mildred Varholak. He is also survived by his former son-in-law, Paul Kennedy and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Lawrence and Edward Varholak.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mark Church, 500 Wigwam Lane, Stratford. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may greet the family on Friday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at www.stjude.org

For online condolences please visit us at www.abriola.com