Joseph F. Vari

Joseph F. Vari, Sr. passed peacefully on Monday, October 30th at the age of 100. He is survived by his wife, Florence D’Onofrio Vari who is doing well at the age of 98. Married for 76 years, they lived together in Wilmington, Delaware.

Joe lived a full life with great successes in business, leadership, family, and fun. His parents immigrated from Italy in the early 1900s, and his story is truly one that meets the archetype of the American Dream. He has two children, Joe, Jr. (Judi) and Rosemary; five grandchildren, TJ, Jeff, Michael, Steve and Tina; and 10 great-grandchildren, all of whom he was able to know and love in his life time.

Joe’s accomplishments are many. He was a semi-professional baseball player in his youth, an airplane mechanic in the Navy in WWII, an engineer for DuPont for his career, and a real estate agent in his retirement.

Joe built all of the homes that he and his family lived in. He was an avid bowler with an average score of 240, a fruit tree aficionado, and car enthusiast. His interests and hobbies spanned several genres, and his best work was always evident in his dedication as a family man. With 9 brothers and sisters and a large extended family, Joe was seen as a role model for many.

Joe will be missed, but his mark was certainly made as a legend to some and a hero to others.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Holy Angels Church, 82 Possum Park Road, Newark, DE 19711, where family and friends may visit beginning at 10:00am. Interment will be held in All Saints Cemetery.

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